Although penetrating thoracic trauma is more deadly than blunt trauma, most penetrating injuries do not require major operative intervention, and many patients are managed with observation and serial evaluation, while some need only tube thoracostomy. Penetrating chest trauma introduction this is a recommended algorithm of the western trauma association for the acute management of penetrating chest injury. A general approach to penetrating trauma can be followed with a focus on rapid transport, haemostatic control, prevention of coagulopathy, blood replacement and appropriate airway management. Management of chest trauma can be divided into three distinct levels of care At each level of care recognition of thoracic injury is crucial for the later outcome. This topic review will discuss the epidemiology, mechanisms, and general approach to the initial management of injuries sustained by adults with penetrating thoracic trauma.
There are a number of different approaches that can be used involving variations in incision, airway management, and positioning The choice is dictated by stability, mechanism, and surgeon preference/experience A brief review of these is presented in table 1. Any organ within the chest is potentially susceptible to penetrating trauma, and each should be considered in the evaluation of a patient with thoracic injury. Identify the signs and symptoms indicating possible hemodynamic compromise in patients with chest trauma Create a clinically guided diagnostic plan in patients with chest trauma
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