What is Stab Wound

Stab wound occurs when a sharp object, such as a knife, penetrates the body. Stab wounds can cause bleeding as well as damage to organs and tissues around the wound.

They can also lead to infection. The amount of damage depends on the location and angle of the injury, the number of wounds, and how deep the sharp object went into the body.

What are the causes of stab wound?

This condition is caused by a sharp object, such as a knife, that penetrates the body. Stab wounds usually occur in the upper part of the body.

What are the signs or symptoms?

Symptoms of this condition include:

• Bleeding.
• Severe pain at the site of the stab wound.

Other symptoms depend on the location of the stab wound, the number of stab wounds, the depth of the wound, and whether any organs or nerves were damaged. In severe cases, the person may faint or go into shock from the pain and injuries.

How is this diagnosed?

This condition is usually diagnosed based on a physical exam. Tests may be done to check for objects that may be in the wound and to see how much damage has been done. These tests may include:

• Imaging tests, such as CT scans, ultrasounds, or X-rays.
• Surgery to explore whether there is damage in the abdomen (laparotomy).
• Tests, such as an echocardiogram, to check the heart’s function.

How is this treated?

Treatment for this condition depends on the location and severity of the wound. Treatment may include:

• Applying direct pressure to the wound to stop or slow bleeding.
• Cleaning the inside of the wound (irrigation) with a saline solution. The area around the wound is also cleaned with soap and clean water.
• Removing any damaged tissue or foreign objects from the area around the wound. Medicine may be given to help control pain.
• Closing the stab wound with stitches (sutures), skin adhesive strips, or staples. In some cases, the wound is left open to avoid infection.
• Applying extra saline-soaked gauze, if the wound is deep (wound packing).
• Applying a sterile bandage (dressing).
• Antibiotic medicines to help prevent infection.
• A tetanus shot if needed.
• Surgery. Depending on the stab wound and its location, you may require a procedure to treat the injury. Surgery is often needed for wounds to the chest, back, abdomen, or neck.
• Blood transfusion. This may be needed if a large amount of blood is lost.

Follow these instructions at home:

Wound care

• Follow instructions from your health care provider about how to take care of your wound. Make sure you:
  • Wash your hands with soap and water before you change your bandage (dressing). If soap and water are not available, use hand sanitizer.
  • Change your dressing as told by your health care provider.
  • Leave stitches (sutures), skin glue, or adhesive strips in place. These skin closures may need to stay in place for 2 weeks or longer. If adhesive strip edges start to loosen and curl up, you may trim the loose edges. Do not remove adhesive strips completely unless your health care provider tells you to do that.
  • If your wound requires packing, follow instructions from your health care provider about how to properly re-pack the wound.
• Keep all wound packing materials and bandages in one spot to make dressing changes easy.
• Check your wound every day for signs of infection. Check for:
  • Redness, swelling, or pain.
  • Fluid or blood.
  • Warmth.
  • Pus or a bad smell.

Medicines

• Take over-the-counter and prescription medicines only as told by your health care provider.
• If you were prescribed an antibiotic medicine, take it as told by your health care provider. Do not stop taking the antibiotic even if you start to feel better.

General instructions

• Rest the injured part of the body for the next 2–3 days or as told by your health care provider.
• If possible, raise (elevate) the injured area above the level of your heart while you are sitting or lying down.
• Do not take baths, swim, or use a hot tub until your health care provider approves. Ask your health care provider if you can take showers.
• Keep all follow-up visits as told by your health care provider. This is important.

Contact a health care provider if:

• You have new redness, swelling, or pain around your wound.
• You have fluid or blood coming from your wound.
• Your wound feels warm to the touch.
• You have pus or a bad smell coming from your wound.

Get help right away if:

• You have shortness of breath.
• You have severe chest or abdominal pain.
• You faint or feel as if you may faint.
• You have uncontrolled bleeding.
• You have chills or a fever.
• You have nausea or vomiting.
• The skin around your wound turns yellow, white, or black.
• Your wound seems to grow in size or depth.
• You have numbness or weakness in the injured area. This may be a sign of damage to an underlying nerve or tendon.

Summary

• The amount of damage from a stab wound depends on the location and angle of the injury and how deep the sharp object went into the body.
• Imaging tests and surgery may be done to check for foreign objects in the wound and to see how much damage has been done.
• Stab wounds are generally treated by cleaning the wound, closing the wound, and covering it with a bandage. In some cases, surgery is needed to treat internal injuries.
• Antibiotic medicines and tetanus shots may be used to prevent infection.
• Get help right away if your wound shows any signs of infection or if you have a fever.