Abstract

Objective: To discuss the causes of trauma , pathologies due to trauma, and diagnosis and treatment methods for the patients who had attended the emergency clinic due to thoracic trauma, together with the relevant literature. We aimed to reveal that mortalitiy and morbidity could be changed according to etiology, existing pathology, concomitant injuries, health institution equipment, and approach of doctors.

Material and Method: 1142 cases (839 male (73.5%), 303 female (26.5%)) have been included in the study. Thoracic trauma etiologies, pathologies, concomitant extrathoracic injuries, and treatment approaches have been analysed and discussed, accompanied by reports from different centers.

Results: 914 (80%) cases had obtuse thoracic trauma and 228 (20%) cases had penetrating thoracic trauma. The most frequent etiological factor was injuries due to motor vehicle accidents (358 cases (9%)). 542 (47%) cases were admitted to thoracic surgery clinic and 487 (42%) cases were admitted to other clinics after intervention. 113 (9%) ambulatory cases were treated conservatively in the emergency clinic. The most frequent pathology was costal fracture in 409 patients (35%). In 685 (59.9%) of cases, concomitant pathology was detected. The most frequent concomitant pathology was abdominal injuries in 261 (23%) cases. In all patients with thoracic trauma, tube thoracostomy was performed in 601 (52%) cases, thoracotomy was performed in 38 (3.3%), (7% in patients that had been admitted to the clinic) cases, and conservative treatment was given to 503 (44%) cases. Morbidity was observed in 116 (%9.6) patients and mortality in 35 (%3.1) patients.

Conclusion: In thoracic trauma, morbidity and mortality are influenced by the etiology, concomitant trauma, health instutition equipment, and doctor approach.