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Thoracoscopy for Trauma

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Abstract

Thoracoscopy has numerous applications for both diagnosis and treatment in thoracic trauma. It is excellent for the diagnosis of diaphragmatic injuries, mediastinal evaluation, and the assessment of persistent air-leak. It offers therapeutic intervention for diaphragmatic lacerations, thoracic bleeding in stable patients, evacuation of residual hemothorax, air-leaks, and the prevention and treatment of empyema. Judiciously applied, it is a powerful tool in the armamentarium of the trauma surgeon.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Division of Trauma, Critical Care and Emergency Surgery, Virginia Commonwealth University Medical Center, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA, USA

    Rao R. Ivatury MD, FACS

  2. Division of Trauma, Critical Care and Emergency Surgery, Virginia Commonwealth University Medical Center, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Virginia, 23298, USA

    Rao R. Ivatury MD, FACS

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  1. Rao R. Ivatury MD, FACS
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Correspondence to Rao R. Ivatury MD, FACS.

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Ivatury, R.R. Thoracoscopy for Trauma. Eur J Trauma 36, 15–18 (2010). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00068-010-9214-x

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00068-010-9214-x

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