Surgical Treatment of Thoracic Trauma: Lung

Abstract

The vast majority of traumatic pulmonary injuries can be treated nonoperatively or with tube thoracostomy alone. The main indications for operative intervention are hemorrhage or large airway injury. Major pulmonary hemorrhage is most commonly caused by penetrating mechanisms, while large airway injury may result from blunt or penetrating mechanisms. Lung injuries may also be found at the time of thoracotomy performed primarily for management of other injuries. This chapter discusses the indications for surgical management of lung injuries, describes techniques for obtaining vascular control and addressing parenchymal and airway injuries, and explains basic considerations in postoperative care.