[The place and extent of thoracotomy in gunshot chest wounds]

Indications are presented for operative intervention, as well as some of the more important debatable problems in the surgical tactics and approach to firearm thoracic injuries. Emphasizing the need of differential approach and thorough preoperative preparation, the authors outline the modern trends in their operative management. On the basis of clinical, functional and X-ray methods of examination, the results of pneumorrhaphy in isolated lung injuries are evaluated. The experience of radical operative treatment of firearm lung wound, for which thoracotomy is indicated, by attempting typical pulmonary resection, is backed with arguments.