[Surgical aspects of open and closed chest injuries (author's transl)]

263 persons with chest injuries were treated over a period of 16 years. 47 had performating chest injuries, in the remaining cases it was a blunt trauma. Prompt recognition of a life-endangering situation (cardiac tamponade, tension pneumothorax, mediastinal emphysema, massive haemothorax) is essential; radiological and laboratory diagnostic methods play a secondary role. The most effective emergency treatment is intercostal continuous suction; in many cases it is the only one needed. A haemothorax must be evacuated completely because of the risk of complications and fibrin formation. Thoracotomy is rarely, and surgical removal of lung tissue hardly ever, indicated. 30 persons needed emergency thoracotomy. Accompanying intraabdominal injuries, mostly rupture of the diaphragm and spleen, were observed in 45 patients. Late sequels were lung abscesses, posttraumatic cysts, pleural empyema and adhesions, atelectases. Decortication, if indicated, should be performed at an early stage.