Abstract
Retrospectvie analysis of a set of patients treated for penetrating chest trauma in the Trauma Centre of Teaching Hospital in Pilsen over a period of 17 years. Basic demographics, the mechanism, type, location and extent of the penetrating chest trauma, Injury Severity Score, existence of associated injuries, diagnostic procedures, timing and method of the cjest trauma treatment as well as any complications and reoperations were identified in the set.
Other collected information included deaths of the injured, and the cause and time of death in relation to the time of admission to the Trauma Centre. Adequate drainage of the relevant pleural cavity is sufficient to treat one half of the patients; on the other hand, 40% of traumas, injuries of the heart, large vessels and gunshot wounds in particular, require urgent revision surgery by means of thoracotomy or sternotomy.
If the injured patient is transported for timely Treatment, the prognosis of penetrating chest trauma sis quite favourable.