Video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery in treatment of stabbing chest injuries.

Abstract

Since 1994, we have performed video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery in order to treat thoracic trauma. In general, emergency surgery is performed for trauma injuries incurred by knives. Between 1994 and 2005, we performed thoracoscopic surgery on eighteen cases of thoracic stab wounds. Among these eighteen cases, two were characterized by wounds to the internal thoracic artery, and they had to be switched over to open thoracotomy due to excessive bleeding. In conclusion, open thoracotomy should be performed in cases in which the patient is in a state of shock due to severe intrathoracic bleeding; however, in cases in which the vital signs are stable, thoracoscopic surgery may be carried out to stop intrathoracic bleeding, to repair the lung injury by suturing, as well as by performing a partial resection of the lung.

• Authors: Fumio Maitani, Tomoki Nakagawa, Ryota Masuda, Yoshimasa Inoue, Noboru Nishiumi, Masayuki Iwazaki, Sadaki Inokuchi, Hiroshi Inoue
• Journal: The Tokai journal of experimental and clinical medicine (Tokai J Exp Clin Med) Vol. 31 Issue 4 Pg. 157-9 (Dec 20 2006) ISSN: 2185-2243 [Electronic] Japan
• PMID: 21302247 (Publication Type: Journal Article)

Topics

• Adolescent
• Adult
• Aged
• Aged, 80 and over
• Emergency Medical Services
• Female
• Hospitals, University
• Humans
• Japan
• Male
• Middle Aged
• Radiography
• Suture Techniques
• Thoracic Injuries (diagnostic imaging, surgery)
• Thoracic Surgery, Video-Assisted (methods)
• Treatment Outcome
• Wounds, Stab (diagnostic imaging, surgery)
• Young Adult