%0 Journal Article
%T Penetrating chest trauma
%A Birrer, Dominique Lisa
%A Edu, Sorin
%A Nicol, Andrew
%A Neuhaus, Valentin
%J Journal of Visualized Surgery
%D 2019
%B 2019
%9 
%! Penetrating chest trauma
%K 
%X Patients with penetrating chest injuries can present from asymptomatic with just small wounds to pulseless with life-threatening injuries. Cardiac injuries with a pericardial tamponade, exsanguinating hemorrhage or thoraco-abdominal injuries are typical life-threatening conditions. Most of these patients die pre-hospital. However, some of these deaths are preventable. The goal is to reduce morbidity and mortality. The key to a successful management is an immediate standardized assessment and clear treatment algorithms. Time is of paramount essence. Chest X-ray, focused sonography, and computed tomography are standard diagnostic tools. Cardiac tamponade, large hemo-, or pneumothoraces must be ruled out. Up to 80% of all patients with penetrating chest injuries can be managed non-operative, however a tube thoracostomy (18%) or sternotomy/thoracotomy (3%) are necessary in selected cases. A stable patient with a small pneumothorax/ hemothorax and no relevant additional findings can be assessed and treated non-operative. A large pneumo- or hemothorax must be drained with a chest tube. Patients with a low systolic blood pressure (
%U https://jovs.amegroups.org/article/view/32437
%V 6
%P 
%@ 2221-2965