Thoracic trauma in national hospital Abuja, Nigeria: The epidemiology, injury severity and initial management options

Background: Trauma is the leading cause of death in individuals between the ages of 1 and 44 years and it is the third commonest cause of death regardless of age. Thoracic trauma is a relatively common cause of preventable death among trauma patients. The spectrum of injuries after blunt chest trauma presents a challenging problem to the emergency physician. This study is intended to discuss the epidemiology, severity and initial management strategies in chest trauma patients, in a low income country. Methods: A cross sectional retrospective study among chest trauma patients seen in the emergency room of National Hospital Trauma Centre, Abuja, Nigeria, from January 2015 to December 2017. Relevant patients' information was retrieved from the trauma registry kept in the trauma centre. Data processing and analysis was done using statistical package for social sciences (SPSS) version 24. Test of significance was done where applicable using chi square and student t test, using p value less than 0.05 as significant. Results are presented in tables and figures. Results: A total of 637 patients, male to female ratio of 3.6 and mean age of 34.18 ± 11.34 were enrolled into the study. The most common mechanisms of injury were MVC (54.6%) and assault (23.5%). Blunt injuries were 3.5 times more frequent than the penetrating injuries. The RTS of 12 (76.3%) and the ISS of 1-15 category (52.3%) were the most common scores. Up to 98% of patients were managed non-operatively. Recovery rate was high (89%) with relatively low mortality rate of 4.2%. Conclusion: Majority of thoracic trauma can be managed effectively by employing simple, non-operative procedures such as needle decompression and chest tube insertion. Efforts should be made to include these procedures in the skill set of every medical officer working in the emergency room, particularly in low and middle income countries where there is paucity of emergency physicians.

MULTIDETECTOR COMPUTED TOMOGRAPHY IN BLUNT CHEST TRAUMA SINGLE TERTIARY CARE TRAUMA CENTRE EXPERIENCE.

Thoracic injuries are significant causes of morbidity and mortality in trauma patients, second only to head injuries. In addition to conventional radiography, multidetector computed tomography (CT) is increasingly being used, since it can quickly and accurately help diagnose a wide variety of injuries in trauma patients. Furthermore, multiplanar and MiNIP, volumetric reformatted CT images provide improved visualization of injuries, increased understanding of trauma-related diseases, and enhanced communication between the radiologist and the referring clinician. To identify and accurately a Aims: ssess variety of injuries in blunt thoracic trauma with multidetector Computed Tomography (MDCT). To find commonest pattern of intrathoracic injury related to blunt chest trauma. This Method: retrospective observational study included 50 patients who underwent Multidetector CT examination during the period from November 2020 to April 2021 at tertiary care trauma centre, Lokmanya Tilak Municipal Medical College and General Hospital, Mumbai. Blunt chest Conclusion: trauma injuries were classified into pleural injury, lung parenchymal injury, bony thorax, tracheobronchial and vascular injuries. The commonest injury detected was pleural (70%) followed by lung parenchymal injury (52%) and bony thorax injury in 50% cases. 50% of the pleural injury cases were associated with rib fractures. Multiple injuries were seen in the 47 patients, stating the importance of a detail evaluation of all chest components. No oesophageal and cardiac injury was detected in our CT studies' with its multiplanar, MinIP and volume reconstruction images increases the confidence in imaging diagnosis and play a critical role in understanding thoracic trauma related complications.

Relationship between drainage diameter and prognosis of patients with thoracic trauma during closed thoracic drainage / 国际外科学杂志

Objective:To explore the relationship between the diameter of drainage used in closed thoracic drainage (CTD) and the prognosis of patients with thoracic trauma.Methods:This study was a retrospective cohort study, a total of 146 patients who were admitted to the 971st Navy Hospital due to thoracic trauma from April 2017 to June 2021 and received closed thoracic drainage were selected as the research subjects. According to the prognosis, they were divided into a good group ( n=96) and a poor group ( n=50), and the clinical efficacy, general data and postoperative complications of the two groups were compared and analyzed. Multivariate Logistic regression was used to analyze the risk factors for poor prognosis, and a nomogram prediction model was established, and the model was evaluated. The relationship between the size of drainage diameter and the prognosis of patients with thoracic trauma was analyzed by Pearson correlation. The normally distributed measurement data was expressed by the ( ± s), and the independent samples t test was used for comparison between groups; The chi-square test was used for comparison of count data between groups. Results:The clinical efficacy of CTD was good, with a total effective probability of 87.67%; and 3 weeks after surgery, the patient′s prognosis was good, with a good prognosis probability of 65.75%. Logistic analysis showed that age 60 years old ( OR=1.501, 95% CI: 1.105-2.177), excipient replacement time of 2-3 d ( OR=2.543, 95% CI: 1.729-3.168), drainage bottle higher than thoracic cavity ( OR=1.692, 95% CI: 1.314-2.482), long wound healing time ( OR=1.971, 95% CI: 1.479-2.720), frequent cough ( OR=2.259, 95% CI: 1.564-2.924), and drainage tube diameter 16 F ( OR=3.087, 95% CI: 2.074-3.793) were independent risk factors for poor prognosis ( P<0.05). The size of drainage diameter was positively correlated with hospitalization and wound healing time, pain VAS score ( P<0.05), and negatively correlated with Barthel Index ( P<0.05). Conclusion:Drainage tube diameter 16 F is one of the independent risk factors for poor prognosis of patients. The smaller the drainage diameter, the shorter the postoperative hospital stay, faster wound healing, lighter pain and stronger ability of life and activity.

The role of the perfusion index in patients with thoracic trauma / 世界急诊医学杂志（英文）

@#Traumatic injuries range from simple to complicated multiple injuries. The identification of patients with critical injuries and disrupted organ perfusion is essential to prevent tissue hypoxia. A study estimated that a fast and accurate response to thoracic trauma should reduce the mortality by 30%.[1] The tissue perfusion value is an essential indicator of mortality and morbidity for patients admitted to the hospital with thoracic trauma. Thus, this study aimed to show the role of the perfusion index (PI) in predicting the prognosis of patients admitted to the emergency department for thoracic trauma.

Papel de la ecografía en la sala de emergencia en el diagnóstico del trauma de tórax / The Role of Sonography in the Emergency Room for the Diagnosis of Thoracic Trauma

Introducción: Dentro de la atención al lesionado con trauma torácico se cuenta con varios medios diagnósticos, entre ellos la evaluación por ecografía focalizada en trauma extendido a tórax, el cual ha mostrado una alta sensibilidad, aun realizado por médicos no radiólogos como cirujanos generales, emergencistas e intensivistas. Objetivo: Determinar la utilidad de la ecografía torácica extendida realizada por cirujanos en lesionados con traumatismo torácico. Métodos: Se realizó un estudio observacional, descriptivo de evaluación de pruebas diagnósticas con un diseño transversal, en 1052 pacientes ingresados en la sala de emergencia. Se les realizó la evaluación por ecografía torácica extendida en el Hospital Universitario "General Calixto García", durante el período comprendido entre enero de 2020 y febrero de 2021. Resultados: Fueron realizados en un periodo de 1 año un total de 1052 ultrasonidos torácicos, 221 casos fueron positivos, de ellos 81 neumotórax (7,7 por ciento) y 62 hemoneumotórax (5,9 por ciento) todos confirmados por tomografía de tórax. La edad promedio fue de 45,27 (18-97), el sexo masculino prevaleció con 772 casos (73,4 por ciento). Los mecanismos productores de trauma más frecuentes fueron: caída de altura 273 casos (26 por ciento) y trauma contuso 181 casos (17,2 por ciento). La ecografía torácica extendida obtuvo una sensibilidad de un 95,24 por ciento y una especificidad de 99,88 por ciento en el diagnóstico lesiones torácicas. Conclusiones: La ecografía torácica extendida demostró que en manos de los cirujanos generales es una herramienta confiable, segura, no invasiva, poco costosa, repetible, que permite diagnosticar rápidamente lesiones torácicas y tratarlas(AU)

Introduction: Within care for the injured patient with thoracic trauma there are several diagnostic means. For example, extended focused assessment with sonography for thoracic trauma has shown high sensitivity, even when performed by non-radiologists such as general surgeons, emergency specialists and intensivists. Objective: To determine the usefulness of extended thoracic sonography performed by surgeons on injured patients with thoracic trauma. Methods: An observational, descriptive and cross-sectional study of diagnostic tests assessment was carried out in 1052 patients admitted to the emergency room. They were assessed by extended thoracic sonography at General Calixto García University Hospital, during the period between January 2020 and February 2021. Results: A total of 1052 thoracic ultrasounds were performed in a period of one year, of which 221 cases were positive. Of them, 81 were pneumothorax (7.7 percent) and 62 were hemopneumothorax (5.9 percent), all confirmed by chest tomography. The average age was 45.27 (18-97). The male sex prevailed, with 772 cases (73.4 percent). The most frequent trauma-producing mechanisms were altitude fall, accounting for 273 cases (26 percent), and blunt trauma, accounting for 181 cases (17.2 percent). Extended thoracic ultrasound showed a sensitivity of 95.24 percent and a specificity of 99.88 percent in the diagnosis of thoracic injuries. Conclusions: Extended thoracic ultrasound showed that, in the hands of general surgeons, it is a reliable, safe, noninvasive, inexpensive and repeatable tool that allows rapid diagnosis and treatment of thoracic injuries(AU)

Hallazgos tomográficos posoperatorios en pacientes con traumatismos torácicos / Tomographic postoperative findings in patients with thoracic trauma

Introducción: El trauma torácico se encuentra entre las primeras causas de muerte, fundamentalmente en personas jóvenes. Objetivos: Caracterizar a una población operada por traumatismos torácicos según variables clinicoepidemiológicas y describir los hallazgos tomográficos posquirúrgicos. Métodos: Se llevó a cabo un estudio observacional y descriptivo de 48 pacientes atendidos en el Servicio de Radiología del Provincial Clínico-Quirúrgico Docente Saturnino Lora de Santiago de Cuba, de enero del 2016 a diciembre del 2018, a los cuales se les realizó tomografía computarizada multidetector. Resultados: Los traumas torácicos predominaron en personas jóvenes del sexo masculino, asociadas fundamentalmente a acciones violentas que provocaron traumas abiertos. La contusión pulmonar resultó ser el hallazgo tomográfico inicial más frecuente, en tanto, el neumotórax persistente y el hemotórax coagulado constituyeron los hallazgos tomográficos más influyentes en la decisión de una reintervención quirúrgica. Conclusiones: La tomografía es un medio diagnóstico que permite una descripción detallada del estado posoperatorio de los órganos afectados, con un alto valor orientativo para decidir procedimientos quirúrgicos posteriores.

Introduction: The thoracic trauma is among the first causes of death, fundamentally in young people. Objectives: To characterize a population operated due to thoracic trauma according to clinical epidemiological variables and describe the postsurgical tomographic findings. Methods: An observational and descriptive study of 48 patients assisted in the Radiology Service of Saturnino Lora Teaching Clinical Surgical Provincial Hospital was carried out in Santiago de Cuba, from January, 2016 to December, 2018, to whom a multidetector computed tomography was carried out. Results: The thoracic traumas prevailed in young male people, fundamentally associated with violent actions that caused open traumas. The lung contusion was the most frequent initial tomographic finding, as long as, the persistent pneumothorax and the coagulated hemothorax constituted the most influential tomographic findings in the decision of a surgical reintervention. Conclusions: Tomography is a diagnostic means that allows a detailed description of the postoperative state in the affected organs, with a high orientative value to decide later surgical procedures.

Ruptura diafragmática traumática: presentación de un caso / Traumatic diaphragmatic rupture: presentation of a case / Ruptura diafragmática traumática: apresentação de um caso

RESUMEN Introducción: el diafragma es un tabique que separa el tórax del abdomen y su función fisiológica es ayudar a la mecánica de la ventilación. La ruptura diafragmática traumática es una entidad de difícil diagnóstico inicial, por la baja sospecha clínica, lo que lleva a complicaciones como la estrangulación, que tiene una elevada morbimortalidad. Las lesiones traumáticas del diafragma son poco frecuentes, la incidencia global por mecanismo penetrante y cerrado es del 1 % al 6 %. Presentación de caso: paciente masculino de 20 años de edad con antecedentes de salud aparente, acude al servicio de urgencia a las 2 horas luego de haber sufrido accidente laboral al desprenderse un banco de arena sobre él, refiriendo dificultad para respirar y dolor torácico en hemitorax izquierdo, los estudios de imágenes practicados mostraron presencia de cámara gástrica y colon en hemitorax izquierdo, es intervenido quirúrgicamente con impresión diagnostica de ruptura diafragmática secundaria a traumatismo cerrado de abdomen. Durante el transoperatorio se comprobó la misma (laceración lineal que involucra todo hemidiafragma izquierdo) con herniación del estómago, bazo, colon transverso y parte de intestino delgado en cavidad torácica. Se realizó frenorrafia y pleurostomia baja izquierda. No otras alteraciones intraabdominales. Discusión: la rotura traumática del diafragma es una lesión infrecuente que ocurre como consecuencia de traumatismos cerrados y penetrantes del abdomen o del tórax. Su diagnóstico precoz continúa siendo un desafío y se asocia con una elevada morbimortalidad. El diagnóstico preoperatorio es difícil y sólo un alto nivel de sospecha, un examen minucioso de las técnicas de imagen y la intervención quirúrgica inmediata, son determinantes para el éxito en el tratamiento de estos pacientes. Conclusiones: nuestro paciente no presentó complicaciones mayores en el perioperatorio, a las 24 horas estaba con dieta y deambulando se retiró la sonda pleural a las 72 horas y ha tenido una evolución favorable libre de síntomas, siendo dado de alta a los 10 días.

ABSTRACT Introduction: the diaphragm is a septum that separates the thorax from the abdomen and its physiological function is to help the mechanics of ventilation. Traumatic diaphragmatic rupture is an entity of difficult initial diagnosis, due to low clinical suspicion, which leads to complications such as strangulation, which has high morbidity and mortality. Traumatic injuries to the diaphragm are rare, the overall incidence due to penetrating and closed mechanism is 1% to 6%. Case presentation: 20-year-old male patient with apparent health history, attended the emergency service 2 hours after having suffered an occupational accident when a sandbar fell off him, reporting difficulty breathing and chest pain in hemithorax On the left, the imaging studies performed showed the presence of a gastric chamber and colon in the left hemithorax, he was operated on with a diagnostic impression of a diaphragmatic rupture secondary to blunt abdominal trauma. During the intraoperative it was verified (linear laceration involving the entire left hemidiaphragm) with herniation of the stomach, spleen, transverse colon and part of the small intestine in the thoracic cavity. Left low pleurostomy and frenorrhaphy were performed. No other intra-abdominal alterations. Discussion: traumatic diaphragm rupture is an infrequent injury that occurs as a consequence of blunt and penetrating trauma to the abdomen or chest. Early diagnosis of it continues to be a challenge and is associated with high morbidity and mortality. Preoperative diagnosis is difficult and only a high level of suspicion, a thorough examination of imaging techniques, and immediate surgical intervention are decisive for the success of treating these patients. Conclusions: our patient did not present major complications in the perioperative period, at 24 hours he was on a diet and wandering, the pleural tube was removed at 72 hours and has had a favorable symptom-free evolution, being discharged at 10 days.

RESUMO Introdução: o diafragma é um septo que separa o tórax do abdome e sua função fisiológica é auxiliar na mecânica da ventilação. A ruptura diafragmática traumática é uma entidade de difícil diagnóstico inicial, devido à baixa suspeita clínica, o que leva a complicações como o estrangulamento, que apresenta elevada morbimortalidade. Lesões traumáticas do diafragma são raras, a incidência geral devido ao mecanismo penetrante e fechado é de 1% a 6%. Apresentação do caso: Paciente do sexo masculino, 20 anos, com história aparente de saúde, compareceu ao pronto-socorro 2 horas após ter sofrido acidente de trabalho com queda de banco de areia, relatando dificuldade respiratória e dor torácica em hemitórax À esquerda, exames de imagem realizados mostrou a presença de câmara gástrica e cólon em hemitórax esquerdo, foi operado com impressão diagnóstica de ruptura diafragmática secundária a trauma abdominal fechado. No intraoperatório, constatou-se (laceração linear envolvendo todo o hemidiafragma esquerdo) com herniação do estômago, baço, cólon transverso e parte do intestino delgado na cavidade torácica. Realizada pleurostomia baixa esquerda e frenorrafia. Sem outras alterações intra-abdominais. Discussão: a ruptura traumática do diafragma é uma lesão infrequente que ocorre como consequência de trauma contuso e penetrante no abdome ou no tórax. Seu diagnóstico precoce continua sendo um desafio e está associado a elevada morbimortalidade. O diagnóstico pré-operatório é difícil e apenas um alto nível de suspeita, um exame cuidadoso das técnicas de imagem e a intervenção cirúrgica imediata são decisivos para o sucesso do tratamento desses pacientes. Conclusões: nosso paciente não apresentou complicações maiores no período perioperatório, às 24 horas fazia dieta e vagueava, a tuba pleural foi retirada às 72 horas e teve evolução favorável sem sintomas, tendo alta hospitalar aos 10 dias.

Traumatismo torácico en el adulto mayor / Thoracic trauma in the elderly

Resumen Introducción: Los traumatismos constituyen la quinta causa de muerte en el adulto mayor (60 años o más), siendo los traumatismos contusos los más frecuentes. Objetivo: Describir características, índices de gravedad de traumatismo (IGT), morbilidad y mortalidad en adultos mayores (AM) hospitalizados con traumatismo torácico (TT). Materiales y Método: Estudio descriptivo transversal. Período desde enero de 1981 a diciembre de 2017. Revisión de base de datos, protocolos quirúrgicos y fichas clínicas. Descripción de características de TT en AM hospitalizados. Se calculó IGT: Injury Severity Score (ISS), Revised Trauma Score (RTS-T), Trauma Injury Severity Score (TRISS). Resultados: Total 4.163 TT, AM 513 (12,3%). Hombres: 350 (68,2%), edad promedio 71,2 ± 8,4 años, mediana 70 (rango: 60-103), TT aislado 350 (68,2%), asociado a lesiones extratorácicas 163 (31,8%) y de estos 96 (18,7%) se consideraron politraumatismos. Traumatismo contuso 456 (88,9%) y penetrante 57 (11,1%). La causa más frecuente fueron las caídas en 252 (49,1%). Lesiones y/o hallazgos torácicos más frecuentes: fracturas costales 409 (79,7%), hemotórax 186 (36,3%) y neumotórax 185 (36,1%). Tratamiento definitivo: médico 287 (55,9%), pleurotomía 193 (37,6%) y cirugía 40 (7,8%). Cirugía extratorácica 33 (6,4%). Hospitalización promedio 9,0 ± 8,8 días. Según IGT: ISS promedio 12,1 ± 9,6, RTS-T promedio 11,6 ± 1,3, TRISS promedio 8,1. Morbilidad 76 (14,8%) y mortalidad 26 (5,1%). Discusión: La mayoría de los TT en AM son contusos, causados por accidentes domésticos. Las lesiones y hallazgos más frecuentes fueron fracturas costales y hemotórax. La mortalidad fue menor a la esperada según IGT.

Introduction: Trauma is the fifth leading cause of death in the elderly (60 or older), with blunt trauma being the most frequent. Objective: To describe characteristics, Trauma Severity Indices (TSI) and morbidity and mortality in hospitalized elderly for Thoracic Trauma (TT). Materials and Method: Crosssectional descriptive study was carried out. Term: from January 1981 to December 2017. Database review, surgical protocols and medical records were performed. TT description of characteristics was conducted in hospitalized elderly. TSI was calculated: Injury Severity Score (ISS), Revised Trauma Score (RTS-T), Trauma Injury Severity Score (TRISS). Results: Total 4.163 TT, 513 elderly (12.3%). Men: 350 (68.2%), average age 71.2 ± 8.4 years, 70 median (range 60-103). Isolated TT: 350 (68.2%), 163 associated with extrathoracic trauma (31.8%) and of these 96 (18.7%) were considered polytraumatism. Blunt trauma 456 (88.9%) and penetrating 57 (11.1%). Most frequent domestic accident mechanism was 196 (38.2%) and 158 traffic accidents (30.8%). Frequently thoracic injuries or findings: 409 rib fractures (79.7%), 186 hemothorax (36.3%), and 185 pneumothorax (36.1%). Final treatment: 287 Medical treatment (55.9%), 193 pleurotomy (37.6%), and 40 thoracic surgery (7.8%). Extrathoracic surgery 33 (6.4%). Average hospitalization: 9.0 ± 8.8 days. According IGT: ISS 12.1 ± 9.6, RTS-T 11.6 ± 1.3, TRISS 8.1. Morbidity: 76 (14.8%) and mortality: 26 (5.1%). Discussion: Most TT in elderly are blunt, caused by domestic accidents. Injuries and most frequent findings were rib fractures and hemothorax. Mortality was lower than expected according to TSI.

Conveyor Belt Entrapment Trauma in Children: An Unreported Menace

A retrospective study was conducted including all the childrenwho sustained motorized machine belt entrapment injuries. Sixchildren included in study had mean (SD) Glosgow coma scaleand pediatric trauma score of 5.7 (3.54) and 3.2 (1.21),respectively. Overall mortality and paraplegia rate were 33.3%each. Awareness and legislation both are important to curb thismenace

Expert consensus on clinical management strategy for patients with thoracic trauma during the epidemic period of COVID-19 / 解放军医学杂志

Since December 2019, a corona virus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has been continuing to spread throughout China. This epidemic is characterized by strong infectivity and concealment. China's domestic epidemic is gradually under control by strict quarantine and control measures, meanwhile the incidence of trauma has reduced. However, with the resumption of industry and traffic, the chest trauma caused mainly by traffic accidents and high falling has increased gradually, great risks and challenges are faced in clinical treatment. Therefore, combined with the current epidemic environment and the treatment characteristics of thoracic trauma, experts from the Thoracic Trauma Group, Thoracic Surgery Branch of China International Exchange and Promotion Association for Medical and Health Care and Chest Trauma Management Committee, Guangdong Association of Thoracic Disease develop an "Expert consensus on clinical management strategy for patients with thoracic trauma during the epidemic period of COVID-19 pneumonia". In order to promote the treatment of chest trauma in a scientific and orderly way, the consensus elaborated 4 parts, including classification and treatment strategy for patients with thoracic trauma required a surgical procedure, non-operative treatment of patients with thoracic trauma, management process of chest trauma, and protection and management of ward.

Penetrating Thoracic Trauma with Undetected Left Ventricular Injury Presenting as Sudden Hypotension during Surgery / 日本心臓血管外科学会雑誌

A 55-year-old man was brought to our hospital with a knife penetrating his left anterior chest wall following a suicide attempt. Massive left hemothorax was identified on echocardiography ; however, there was no evidence of cardiac tamponade. After draining blood from the left thorax, computed tomography (CT) revealed that the tip of the knife had penetrated the left lung and reached the left pulmonary vein. In preparation for cardiopulmonary bypass, an emergency thoracotomy was scheduled with a plan to access the left lung and left pulmonary vein. The patient was transferred to the operating room, and the procedure was started with the patient in the supine position. During dissection of the femoral vessels, the patient suddenly developed hypotension. After surgical access to the heart was achieved via median sternotomy, a pericardiotomy was performed and cardiopulmonary bypass was established. A 50-mm stab wound was identified at the lateral wall of the left ventricle. The knife was removed, and the left ventricular wound was repaired. The lingular segment of the left lung was partially resected. The patient had no postoperative complications and was transferred to the referral hospital on postoperative day 25. This case report emphasizes the importance of taking appropriate measures for thoracotomy and cardiopulmonary bypass in patients with penetrating thoracic trauma with massive hemothorax, even in the absence of cardiac tamponade on imaging. We were able to successfully manage a life-threatening condition by taking appropriate measures.

Risk factors of failed observational treatment of traumatic hemothorax / 中华胸心血管外科杂志

Objective@#To identify the risk factors of failed observational treatment of traumatic hemothorax.@*Methods@#Clinical data of traumatic hemothorax combined with observational treatment were selected from the data of chest trauma cases admitted to the thoracic surgery department from January 2012 to December 2018. The treatment effect was analyzed, and the risk factors of failed observational treatment were analyzed by multivariate analysis.@*Results@#The total failure rate of observational treatment was 59.26%(32/54), and the details of hemothorax volume, length of stay in hospital, pneumothorax and patients with more than 3 rib fractures in the failed conservative treatment group were more than those in the successful treatment group(P<0.05). Independent risk factors of failed observational treatment were more than 3 rib fractures(OR=5.535, 95%CI: 1.065-28.754, P=0.042)and pneumothorax(OR=9.529, 95%CI: 1.988-45.580, P=0.005).@*Conclusion@#Pneumothorax and more than 3 rib fractures are the independent risk factors of failed observational treatment, and should be included in the observational treatment decision of traumatic hemothorax.

Traumatismo penetrante cardiaco: caracterización, resultados inmediatos y variables asociadas a morbilidad y mortalidad en pacientes operados / Penetrating cardiac trauma: findings, outcomes and prognostic factors in operated patients

INTRODUCCIÓN: El traumatismo penetrante cardiaco (TPC) por sus características y en particular por su alta mortalidad, constituye un desafío quirúrgico permanente. OBJETIVOS: Describir las características, resultados inmediatos y factores pronósticos en TPC. MATERIALES Y MÉTODO: Estudio descriptivo transversal, revisión de protocolos prospectivos de traumatismo torácico, registros de pabellón y fichas clínicas. Período enero de 1990-diciembre de 2017. Se incluyeron todos los pacientes con TPC operados. Se describen y analizan diversas variables. Se realizó regresión logística con análisis univariado y multivariado para identificar variables asociadas a morbilidad, deterioro neurológico y mortalidad. RESULTADOS: 220 pacientes operados por TPC, 209 (95,0%) hombres, edad promedio 30,4 ± 13,3, mediana 27 años. Mecanismo: agresión en 202 (91,8%). El agente traumático fue en 186 (84,5%) arma blanca, en 21 (9,5%) arma de fuego. Presentaban taponamiento 169 (76,8%) pacientes, ingresaron en shock 103 (46,8%) y en paro cardiorrespiratorio 20 (9,1%). Vía de abordaje fue esternotomía en 157 (71,4%), toracotomía izquierda en 58 (26,4%). Las cavidades cardiacas lesionadas más frecuentes fueron ventrículo derecho en 110 (50,0%), ventrículo izquierdo en 72 (32,7%). Se hospitalizaron en UCI en el postoperatorio 135 (61,4%), se transfundieron 74 (33,6%), presentaron complicaciones 60 (27,3%) y se reoperaron 21 (9,5%). Mortalidad 28 (12,7%). La estadía postoperatoria tuvo una mediana de 6 días (rango 1-150). Se identificaron factores pronósticos. DISCUSIÓN: Los TPC operados son más frecuentes en hombres agredidos con arma blanca, la cavidad lesionada más frecuente es el ventrículo derecho. Nuestra morbimortalidad es comparable con series internacionales.

INTRODUCTION: Penetrating cardiac trauma (PCT) constitute a permanent surgical challenge due to it characteristics and high mortality. AIM: To describe the findings, outcomes and prognostic factors in PCT. MATERIAL AND METHOD: Cross-sectional descriptive study, review of prospective thoracic trauma protocols and surgical registries. Period January 1990-December 2017. All patients with PCT were included. Various variables are described and analyzed. Univariate and multivariate analysis were performed to identify factors associated with morbidity, neurologic dysfunction and mortality. RESULTS: 220 patients PCT, 209 (95.0%) men, mean age 30.4 ± 13.3, median 27 years. Mechanism: Aggression in 202 (91.8%). The traumatic agent was cold steel in 186 (84.4%) and fire arm in 21 (9.5%). 169 (76.8%) patients presented with tamponade, 103 (46.8%) shock and 20 (9.1%) cardiopulmonary arrest. Approach was sternotomy in 157 (71.4%), left thoracotomy in 58 (26.4%). The most common injured areas were right ventricle in 110 (50.0%), left ventricle in 72 (32.7%). 135 (61.4%) patients needed postoperative ICU and 74 (33.6%) were transfused. Complications occurred in 60 (27.3%). Twenty-one (9.5%) were reoperated. Mortality 28 (12.7%). The postoperative median stay was 6 days (Range 1-150). Prognostic factors were identified. DISCUSSION: Operated PCT are more frequent in men with stab wound, the most common injured area is the right ventricle. The morbidity and mortality is comparable with international series.

Application of trauma scoring in thoracic trauma / 解放军医学杂志

[Abstract] It is the key to assess the severity of trauma early and accurately for the successful treatment of thoracic trauma. Thoracic trauma scoring is a method of using digital quantitative scoring to record the severity, characteristics, outcome and prognosis of thoracic trauma in a quantitative or semi-quantitative way. The purpose of scoring is to evaluate the severity of trauma, select the optimal treatment means, improve the prognosis and thereby improve the survival rate of patients. This article mainly introduces the methodology, application scope, clinical application status of seven civilian thoracic trauma scoring systems(thoracic organ injury scaling, blast lung injury severity score, penetrating thoracic trauma index, penetrating thoracic trauma course score, rib fracture scoring, rib score, thoracic trauma severity), and the present situation, characteristics and differences between the scores of modern war chest trauma and those of peacetime chest trauma, and puts forward the future exploration direction of thoracic trauma scoring on the battlefield.

La importancia de la Tomografía Axial Computarizada (TAC) en los traumatismos torácicos. Presentación de caso / Importance of Computed Axial Tomography (CAT) on thoracic traumas. Case presentation

Se estudió un paciente masculino de 30 años de edad, con antecedentes de salud; que sufrió una caída desde una altura. Fue atendido en el Cuerpo de Guardia del Hospital Clínico-Quirúrgico de Holguín, donde se presentó con un trauma torácico cerrado. En estudios radiológicos de urgencia, no se evidenciaron lesiones óseas, pleuroparenquimatosas ni mediastinales; sin embargo, por la evolución clínica posterior, se le realiza un interrogatorio y examen físico exhaustivo, y se indica una tomografía axial computarizada de tórax, en la que aparecen lesiones contusionales bibasales postraumáticas. Se impone tratamiento medicamentoso y, a su término, se reevalúa clínica y radiológicamente, con una evolución satisfactoria del cuadro.

A 30-year-old male patient with medical records, with a closed thoracic trauma, who was treated at the Emergency Room, after falling from a height, at Holguin´s Clinical Surgical Hospital. Radiological studies not showed pleuroparenchymal and mediastinal lesions. Due to clinical evolution, a thorough physical examination was computerized. Thorax tomography was indicated. Bibasal contusional posttraumatic lesions were detected. Medication, clinical and radiological re-evaluation led to the satisfactory evolution of patient´s clinical picture.

Avulsión de bronquio fuente derecho debido a traumatismo torácico cerrado / Right main bronchus avulsion due to thoracic blunt trauma

La incidencia de roturas traqueobronquiales secundarias a un traumatismo torácico cerrado es baja, y la mayoría de estos pacientes no llegan con vida a los centros de atención hospitalaria. La presentación clínica es variable dependiendo de la localización de las lesiones, los daños asociados y si las estructuras peribronquiales permanecen íntegras. Para su diagnóstico temprano se debe tener un alto índice de sospecha clínica y una correcta interpretación de los hallazgos semiológicos y radiológicos, lo que permite su rápida y correcta resolución. La demora en el tratamiento aumenta tanto la mortalidad como las complicaciones tempranas y tardías.

The incidence of tracheobronchial ruptures secondary to blunt thoracic trauma is low and most affected patients do not arrive alive to hospitals. Clinical presentation varies with the location of lesions, associated injuries and whether the peribronchial structures remain intact. Early diagnosis requires a high index of clinical suspicion and a correct interpretation of semiologic and radiologic findings, which allows for a rapid and correct resolution. Delay in treatment increases the mortality as well as early and late complications.

Cirugía videoasistida en traumatismo de tórax / Video assisted thoracic surgery in thoracic trauma

El objetivo es discutir el manejo del hemotórax traumático con cirugía videoasistida (VATS) y una revisión de sus principales indicaciones. Se presenta el caso de un paciente con hemotórax por traumatismo penetrante. Inicialmente manejado con pleurostomía, evoluciona con persistencia del sangrado, por lo que se explora. Como hallazgo se encuentra una lesión de arteria torácica interna que se controla con clips de VATS. El paciente evoluciona estable, sin dolor, por lo que se da de alta al tercer día. El manejo quirúrgico preferido del traumatismo de tórax clásicamente ha sido la toracotomía, pero los abordajes mínimamente invasivos han ganado espacio gracias a su menor morbilidad asociada. Algunos de sus beneficios son el menor dolor en el posoperatorio, menor sangrado y menor tiempo operatorio. Algunas indicaciones validadas son el hemotórax retenido y la persistencia del sangrado, siempre que el paciente se encuentre hemodinámicamente estable y no haya sospecha de lesión cardíaca o de grandes vasos. Se concluye que la VATS es una técnica apropiada en casos seleccionados de hemotórax traumático, pero el abordaje de elección sigue siendo la toracotomía tradicional.

The objective is to discuss the use of video assisted thoracic surgery (VATS) in thoracic trauma and to review the most common indications. A young male with a hemothorax due to penetrating trauma is seen at the emergency department. Initial management with a pleural tube revealed persistence of bleeding so surgical exploration was performed. A lesion of the internal thoracic artery was found and controlled with VATS using laparoscopic clips. The patient had an uneventful postoperative course and was discharged home on the third day posterior to surgery. Usually, surgical management of thoracic trauma has been thoracotomy, but minimally invasive procedures have gained terrain in this area thanks to their lower morbility. Some benefits of these are less postoperative pain, less bleeding, and shorter surgical time. Its validated indications include retained hemothorax and persistent bleeding, but only if the patient is hemodinamically stable and cardiac or large vessel lesions are not suspected. As a conclussion, VATS is an appropriate technique for selected cases of traumatic hemothorax, but thoracotomy still remains as the prefered surgical approach.

Osteosíntesis de múltiples fracturas costales desplazadas en un paciente con tórax batiente / Osteosynthesis of multiple displaced costal fractures in a patient with flail chest

El tratamiento de las fracturas costales debe ser individualizado de acuerdo con la severidad de las lesiones y a la magnitud del trauma. El objetivo de esta investigación es presentar un caso donde se utilizaron láminas de titanio, en un paciente con fracturas múltiples de las costillas. Se reporta el caso de un paciente con múltiples fracturas costales de forma lineal y paralelas de los arcos costales con un tórax batiente, que llega al cuerpo de guardia con dolor torácico moderado y disnea. Aunque aún no existe suficiente evidencia científica a favor de los métodos de fijación costal, se realizó la fijación con láminas de titanio logrando la estabilidad de la pared, aliviando el dolor, mejorando la mecánica ventilatoria y logrando su rápida reincorporación a la sociedad(AU)

The treatment of costal fractures should be individualized according to the severity of the injuries and the magnitude of trauma. The objective of this investigation is to present a case where titanium plates were used in a patient with multiple rib fractures. We report the case of a patient with multiple rib fractures of a linear and parallel shape of the costal arches with a swinging thorax, who arrives the emergency room with moderate chest pain and dyspnea. Although there is still not enough scientific evidence that favors the costal fixation methods, the fixation with titanium plates was performed, achieving the stability of the wall, relieving pain, improving the ventilatory mechanics, and achieving the patient's quick reincorporation to the society(AU)

Hernia diafragmática secundaria a trauma: presentación tardía / Complicated diaphragmatic hernia: late outcome of trauma

Resumen Introducción: La hernia diafragmática complicada de presentación tardía constituye una urgencia quirúrgica. Los objetivos del presente estudio son la descripción de las características del diagnóstico de las hernias diafragmáticas de presentación tardía, tratamiento, resultados y la identificación del punto de corte entre el inicio de los síntomas y el desarrollo de necrosis. Pacientes y Métodos: Estudio retrospectivo de una serie de casos constituida por todos los pacientes operados por hernia diafragmática complicada de presentación tardía entre los años 2006 y 2016. Se midieron variables categóricas y continuas que se presentan con estadística descriptiva. Se utilizaron curvas Receiver Operating Characteristics (ROC) a las 6 y 12 h desde el inicio de los síntomas, para determinar el punto de corte del tiempo de presentación clínica en pacientes sometidos a resección de algún órgano. Una vez establecido el punto de corte se calcularon la sensibilidad; especificidad; las razones de verosimilitud positiva y negativa; los valores predictivos positivo y negativo; y la prevalencia. Resultados: La presentación clínica, estudio, diagnóstico y tratamiento fue similar a lo descrito en la literatura quirúrgica. Se estableció el punto de corte a las 12 h con sensibilidad de 80% y especificidad de 83%. Conclusiones: El diagnóstico y tratamiento de estos pacientes debería ser llevado a cabo antes de las 6 h desde el inicio de los síntomas. Aun cuando el universo descrito es reducido, se sugiere que después de las 12 h desde el momento de la estrangulación, los órganos comprometidos se encontrarán necróticos requiriendo resección quirúrgica.

Introduction: Late presentation of traumatic diaphragmatic hernia constitutes a true surgical emergency. The purposes of this study were to describe the diagnostic characteristics, treatment and outcomes of late presentation diaphragmatic hernias and to identify a cutoff point from the onset of symptoms to necrosis development. Patients and Methods: A retrospective series of cases constituted by all patients subjected to emergency diaphragmatic hernia repair form 2006 to 2016 was studied. Categorical and continuous variables were measured and analyzed with descriptive statistics. Receiver Operating Characteristics (ROC) curves at 6 and 12 hours from the onset of symptoms were used to determine the cutoff point for organ resection. Once stablished the cutoff point, sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive values and prevalence were calculated. Results: Clinical presentation, diagnostic study and surgical treatment were similar to what has been already described. The cutoff point was defined at 12 hours from the onset of symptoms with 80% sensitivity and 83% sensibility. Conclusions: The diagnosis and treatment of these cases should be carried on before the first 6 hours after the onset of symptoms. Even though the universe of this study was small, we may suggest that after 12 hours form the onset of symptoms, the implicated organs would be found necrotic requiring surgical resection.

Comparison of surgical and mechanical ventilation for flail chest / 局解手术学杂志

Objective To compare the efficacy of surgical treatment(ST) and mechanical ventilation treatment(MVT) for flail chest.Methods From March 2013 to May 2017,81 patients with flail chest who underwent ST(28 cases) and MVT(53 cases) were enrolled in ICU.The relevant indicators of efficacy were compared including mechanical ventilation (MV) time,bed rest time,oxygen administration time,catheterization time,antibiotic use time,drug analgesia,drug analgesia patients,proportion of stop/postoperative sputum alone,ICU treatment time,hospital stay,mortality,readmission within two months and long-term pulmonary function after discharge.Results The MV time,bed time,oxygen time,antibiotic use time,ICU treatment time and hospitalization time of MVT were longer than those of ST group,the differences were significant(P ＜ 0.05).MVT had more analgesic times,more analgesic cases,smaller proportion of offline/postoperative sputum along and less hospitalization fees compared with ST group,the differences were significant(P ＜0.05).There was no significant difference in the main indexes of pulmonary function between two groups in 3 months after discharge.Conclusion ST and MVT respectively has advantages and disadvantages for flail chest.There is no significant difference in long-term pulmonary function of ST and MVT.While MVT has less trauma and lower cost.The appropriate treatment could be selected according to the clinical situation.