Summary An analysis of 369 patients with abdominal stab wounds treated under a policy which permitted selective management is presented. One hundred twenty-one patients (33 per cent) were not operated upon and all recovered. Two hundred forty-eight patients (66 per cent) underwent celiotomy and six died. Approximately half of those operated upon had visceral injury requiring repair. Initial abdominal examination proved very reliable in assessing the need for operation while x-ray and laboratory studies were of little value in this regard. Mortality was not increased by selective management, and morbidity and hospitalization were reduced.