Aims To identify the prevalence, injury patterns and mortality of penetrating abdominal injury in patients treated at the UK Role 3 Medical Treatment Facility (MTF) in Camp Bastion, Afghanistan.

Methods All patients with a penetrating abdominal injury were identified from the UK Joint Theatre Trauma Registry (JTTR). Demographics, predicted survival and observed mortality were compared. Sub-group analyses of UK military patients were conducted, comparing changes in survival as the campaign progressed and identifying the anatomical distribution of abdominal injuries.

Results Between June 2006 and June 2013, 1331 of the 8558 (16%) patients recorded on the JTTR had a penetrating abdominal injury; 393 were UK military, of whom 175 (45%) survived. 71% of UK military fatalities had the maximum New Injury Severity Score (NISS) of 75 compared to 4.6% of UK military survivors. The survival rate of UK military patients increased in the later stages of the campaign. Fatal injury in UK military patients was associated with significant vascular or hepatic injuries.

Conclusions This study has defined the epidemiology of penetrating abdominal injury in a modern conflict. Continued training and further research into injury prevention and management will help to ensure that the improved outcomes observed in Afghanistan continue on future operations.