The management of stab wounds to the chest: sixteen years' experience
Ashraf, S.S.; Volans, A.P.; Sharif, H.; Chaudhry, I.; Akhtar, K.; Siddiqi, T.; Odam, N.J.; Grotte, G.J.
Journal of the Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh 41(6): 379-381
1996
ISSN/ISBN: 0035-8835 PMID: 8997023 Document Number: 461852
In a retrospective review of 16 years of admissions to a regional cardiothoracic unit, 76 patients were admitted with stab wounds to the chest. Of these wounds, 75% were managed conservatively with tube drainage and observation and 25% required surgical intervention. 5.2% were managed as emergency room thoracotomies, 15.8% as urgent procedures in the operating theatre and 4% as late procedures. The total mortality was 1.3% and was seen in the emergency room thoracotomy group (mortality 25%). The risk if sub-diaphragmatic injury in the presence of chest injury is highlighted.