A Case of Suicide by Hara-Kiri in Turkey

Abstract

Introduction: Hara-Kiri, a traditional way of suicide in Japan, is a transverse stab wound on the abdomen. Suicide attempt rate with knife injuries on the abdomen is higher in Japan than in other countries, and especially there are very few clinical data about stab wound injuries involving the transverse section of the abdomen. There are no studies in our country about self-stabbing which is a psychiatric-surgical problem. Case: A 62-year-old male patient admitted to the emergency department by ambulance for stabbing himself due to psychological problems. The omentum, stomach major curvature, and transverse colon were protruded from the transverse defect on the midline of the abdomen which is approximately 20 cm. After initial intervention and stabilization in the emergency room, the patient was transferred to the operation room and underwent urgent surgery. Conclusion: The evaluation of the vital signs and physical examinations are important in suicidal patients and also the anamnesis regarding the source of the stab wounds could help dictate treatment and predict outcomes. Although mostly being non-lethal, abdominal stab injuries in suicidal patients can be significant. Also, the treatment should be planned in collaboration with the psychiatric team in survivor suicidal patients postoperatively.