2017 Volume 31 Issue 4 Pages 420-427
Objective : The present study aimed to validate our strategy for managing penetrating torso injuries. Method : We retrospectively reviewed the clinical records of 50 patients (male, n=36 ; mean age, 53.1 years) who were transferred to our department with penetrating injuries of the torso between April 2010 and December 2014. Results : Upon arrival, 14 patients were in a state of shock and nine underwent emergency surgery due to persistent physiological instability. Although physiological status was stabilized in 41 patients, eight were surgically treated without CT evaluation because the weapon was still in the wound. Wounds that did not reach the thoracic or peritoneal cavity were directly closed in 18 of 33 patients who were assessed by CT. We managed 15 patients with wounds that reached any cavity based on our strategy. Wounds in three patients that reached the thoracic cavity were directly closed after inserting a chest drain. Wounds that reached the peritoneal cavity were approached via laparotomy in 10 of 13 patients. None of the patients died in the hospital and five were managed without surgery. Conclusion : Outcomes based on our strategy were satisfactory for this series of patients.
