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Penetrating thoraco-abdominal war injuries
N Ilić1, A Petricevic, V Radonić
1Department of Surgery, Split University Hospital, Croatia.
International Surgery
|July 1, 1997
Summary
This study analyzed 70 thoraco-abdominal war injuries, finding explosive wounds most common. Prompt treatment, including surgery and intensive care, improved patient recovery rates.
Area of Science:
- Trauma Surgery
- War Surgery
- Surgical Critical Care
Background:
- Split University Hospital served as a major war hospital from 1991-1995.
- 70 patients with penetrating thoraco-abdominal war injuries were treated.
- Explosive wounds (54%) were more frequent than gunshot (45%) or puncture wounds (5.7%).
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze the management and outcomes of penetrating thoraco-abdominal war injuries.
- To describe the surgical approach, emphasizing thoracophrenolaparotomy.
- To identify key factors influencing treatment success.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of medical data from evacuation to follow-up.
- Evaluation of surgical management, including thoracophrenolaparotomy.
- Assessment of resource utilization and patient outcomes.
Main Results:
- Explosive wounds were the predominant injury type.
- Significant resource utilization: 1.250 ml blood products, 3.750 ml rehydrant solutions per patient.
- Mean time to surgery was 7 hours; 80% of patients recovered, 13% died.
Conclusions:
- Management priorities include respiratory insufficiency, hemorrhagic shock, and infection prevention.
- Successful treatment relies on rapid first-aid, transport, diagnosis, resuscitation, surgery, and intensive care.
- Thoracophrenolaparotomy is an effective diagnostic-therapeutic approach.