Thoracoabdominal Injury

Abstract

Thoracoabdominal injuries in penetrating trauma are very important for two reasons. Firstly, they are characterized by a high morbidity and mortality due to the significant physiological impact on the patient. Secondly, it is often difficult to come to a conclusive decision on which cavity needs to be operated on, or, if both cavities have to be opened, which one takes priority. Therefore, it is difficult to give clear-cut guidelines but certain aspects can render the decision-making process more error proof. Having said that, the surgeon should still have the flexibility to move from one cavity to the other if his initial decision was wrong, or if life-threatening developments present intraoperatively from the other cavity. Thoracoabdominal injuries are the most challenging injuries. Findings that should raise your suspicion are discussed.