Successful Removal of a Bullet from the Spinal Canal of a GSW Victim in the Level of L5: Case Report

Gunshot wounds are becoming more common and are a significant cause of injury and death, especially among young people. This is often due to increasing violence in cities. When someone is shot, the main goal is to save their life and reduce any lasting nerve damage. This report describes the case of a 25-year-old man who was shot and had the bullet lodged in his spine. Doctors performed multiple surgeries, including removing the bullet. After the operation, the patient's walking ability improved. Treating gunshot wounds to the spine is complex. The focus is on providing immediate trauma care, maintaining spinal stability, and minimizing nerve damage. This case shows that surgery to remove a bullet can help improve a patient's ability to walk if they have nerve deficits.

• 1
  The patient, a 25-year-old male, presented with a gunshot wound to the left flank, resulting in hemodynamic shock and lethargy.
• 2
  Damage control surgery was performed to address intra-abdominal bleeding and injuries to the intestines, mesentery, and ureter.
• 3
  Surgical removal of the bullet from the spinal canal at the L5 level, along with L2-S1 laminectomy, led to improved left foot drop and walking ability.