Sharing Experience: Risky Removal of UXO – Case Report

Abstract: Introduction: The management of a patient with embedded unexploded ordnance (UXO) have been described in wartime since the Korean War. To our knowledge, this is the unusual event, but it may cause many challenges and tension to medical treatment facility, including operating surgeon. Case report: We reported about a successful removal of UXO from a soldier. Discussion: To our knowledge, there are only a few published reports and studies regarding UXO embedded in patient. Some literatures recommend the principles of management for a combat patient with UXO. In our case, we successfully removed UXO without catastrophic collateral damage by applying these principles as well as shared decision with patient. Conclusion: Regarding management of a patient with UXO, even though the standard operating procedures and guidelines are present, we have to manage according to the sound clinical judgment depend upon the multiple factors including patient concern. The flexibility with common senses and familiarity with war related surgery are also keys for better outcomes in this rare and weird problem.