Anest. intenziv. Med. 2002;13(6):310-312

Early Diagnosis of Complications Associated with the Thoracic Wall and Lung Trauma - Case ReportsArticles

M. Carda¹, J. Vanáč², K. Havlíček¹, J. Šiller³

¹ Ústav zdravotnických studií Univerzity Pardubice, ředitel prof. MUDr. A. Pellant, DrSc.

² Traumatologické centrum, Nemocnice Pardubice, přednosta MUDr. J. Vanáč

³ Chirurgická klinika, Nemocnice Pardubice, přednosta doc. MUDr. K. Havlíček, CSc.

The authors describe the diagnostic procedures related to complications following thoracic wall trauma. Two cases reports are based on the latediagnosis of posttraumatic pneumothorax and hemothorax, respectively. In the theoretical part, factors increasing the probability of those complicationsare discussed. There is stressed the need for continuous monitoring of patients prone to those complications. The value of repeated chest radiographsis emphasized, along with physical examinations and laboratory tests. Indications for chest drainage for therapeutic intervention are discussed alongwith its prophylactic function.

Keywords: thoracic trauma; pneumothorax; hemothorax; chest drainage

Published: December 1, 2002  Show citation