Selective Operative Management of Penetrating Chest Injuries

AbstractPurpose of ReviewThe aim of this review was to review the recent literature with respect to penetrating chest injuries so as to provide an update on the current/changing management of these injuries.Recent FindingsThe management of a stable patient following penetrating chest trauma with a hemopericardium on ultrasound has changed from routine sternotomy to a pericardial window and drainage, with a sternotomy reserved for those patients who have active bleeding at the time of the pericardial window. It is imperative to diagnose and repair an occult left-sided diaphragm injury and this can be achieved laparoscopically once a hollow organ injury has been excluded. Small pneumothoraces less than 2  cm may be observed in asymptomatic patients provided the patient is not on positive pressure ventilation, and hemothoraces of less than 300 mL may be managed with observation alone.SummaryThere are new management strategies evolving in the patient presenting with penetrating thoracic trauma and it is important that surgeons managing these patients are aware of these changes.
Source: Current Surgery Reports - Category: Surgery Source Type: research