Emergency thoracotomy in the management of trauma
B. I. Bodai, J. P. Smith, R. E. Ward, M. B. O'Neill and R. Auborg
The role of emergency room thoracotomy in the management of trauma remains
poorly defined despite an increase in its use. Most authors agree that the
procedure is effective in the treatment of penetrating thoracic injuries,
while its benefit in penetrating injuries below the diaphragm and in blunt
trauma has not been established. The best outcome can be expected in
patients who have sustained penetrating cardiac and thoracic injuries.
Penetrating abdominal wounds that are severe enough to require thoracotomy
in the emergency room fare less well; those patients who suffer from blunt
thoracoabdominal injuries are least fortunate. The anatomic location and
mode of injury greatly influence the outcome of these patients and are
useful in determining when to perform this procedure.
