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Chest Trauma

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Textbook of Emergency General Surgery

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Abstract

Background: Chest trauma is a major contributor to the morbidity and mortality of trauma patients. Both blunt and penetrating mechanisms can cause serious injury. Thoracic injuries are heterogeneous in pattern and severity, and are often associated with significant extra-thoracic injuries as well.

Methods: This chapter uses an evidence-based analysis with a systematic review of the literature and society guidelines to provide guidance for the care of patients with chest injury.

Diagnosis: Patients who have suffered injury to the chest should be evaluated and managed according to Advanced Trauma Life Support protocol. Patient history, physical exam, and imaging, as well as careful consideration of the traumatic mechanism, are used to identify injuries.

Management: Many injuries to the chest can be managed non-operatively, but those that do require operative intervention are often life threatening. Management of these injuries can vary based on patient condition, traumatic mechanism, and the presence of other injuries.

Conclusion: The chest contains multiple vital structures, and clinicians need to maintain a high index of suspicion for intra-thoracic injury to ensure prompt diagnosis and management.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Surgery, University of California Davis Medical Center, Sacramento, CA, USA

    Joseph M. Galante & Tanya N. Rinderknecht

Authors
  1. Joseph M. Galante
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  2. Tanya N. Rinderknecht
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Correspondence to Tanya N. Rinderknecht .

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Editors and Affiliations

  1. General, Emergency and Trauma Surgery Dept., Pisa University Hospital, Pisa, Italy

    Federico Coccolini

  2. General and Emergency Surgery Dept., Bufalini Hospital, Cesena, Italy

    Fausto Catena

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Galante, J.M., Rinderknecht, T.N. (2023). Chest Trauma. In: Coccolini, F., Catena, F. (eds) Textbook of Emergency General Surgery. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-031-22599-4_48

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-031-22599-4_48

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  • Publisher Name: Springer, Cham

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  • Online ISBN: 978-3-031-22599-4

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