Combined thoracoabdomial injury: Case report

Area of Science:

• Trauma Surgery
• Emergency Medicine
• Surgical Case Reports

Background:

• Combined thoracoabdominal injuries represent severe trauma with rare bilateral presentations.
• Diaphragm trauma and pneumothorax are critical, often leading to thoracic and abdominal organ damage.
• This report addresses extensive abdominal and chest injuries resulting in significant internal bleeding and hemothorax.

Observation:

• A 24-year-old male presented with penetrating knife wounds to the abdominal cavity.
• Radiographic imaging revealed closed chest injuries and right-sided post-traumatic hemopneumothorax.
• The patient sustained multiple injuries to the abdominal tract and chest.

Findings:

• Surgical management involved right thoracotomy with pleural and subphrenic space revision.
• Procedures included wound closure, hematoma evacuation, and drainage of thoracic and abdominal cavities.
• Hemostasis was achieved using specialized surgical clamps during organ repositioning.

Implications:

• This case underscores the complexity of managing combined thoracoabdominal trauma.
• Successful surgical repair demonstrates effective treatment strategies for severe penetrating injuries.
• Highlights the importance of prompt diagnosis and intervention in life-threatening thoracoabdominal trauma cases.