[Traumatic lung injury].

Abstract

Pulmonary injuries include a wide variety of clinical conditions. Most patients with blunt chest trauma can be managed with conservative treatment. Only about 10 to 15% of patients with severe chest injuries require major thoracotomy. Management of pulmonary contusion, pulmonary laceration, pneumothorax or hemothorax by oxygen inhalation, respirator assist and chest drainage can usually result in complete recovery. However, pulmonary injuries sometimes lapse into fatal condition if they are improperly treated. Open thoracotomy is required in cases with persistent massive air leakage or massive bleeding with the use of chest drainage. It is crucial to evaluate the extent and severity of the injuries based on chest X-ray and computed tomography (CT) findings for the proper initial treatment in patients with pulmonary injuries.

• Authors: Hidenori Hara, Hirokuni Yoshimura
• Journal: Kyobu geka. The Japanese journal of thoracic surgery (Kyobu Geka) Vol. 57 Issue 8 Suppl Pg. 762-9 (Jul 2004) ISSN: 0021-5252 [Print] Japan
• PMID: 15362557 (Publication Type: Case Reports, Journal Article)

Topics

• Adult
• Humans
• Lung (diagnostic imaging)
• Lung Injury
• Male
• Middle Aged
• Radiography
• Thoracic Injuries (classification, diagnostic imaging, therapy)
• Wounds, Nonpenetrating (diagnostic imaging, therapy)