Diagnosis and surgical treatment of thoraco-abdominal injuries

Objective: To summarize the clinical experiences of early diagnosis and surgical treatment of thoraco abdominal injuries. Methods: The clinical materials of 67 patients with thoraco abdominal injuries from January 1993 to January 2003 were reviewed retrospectively. Results: Thoracic explorations, abdominal operations, thoraco abdominal operations, and simultaneous thoracic explorations and abdominal operations were carried out in 22 patients, 33 patients, 3 patients and 4 patients respectively. 59 patients were cured. Among 7 patients complicated with ARDS, 5 underwent tracheotomy with mechanical ventilatory support for 4～19 days. Eight patients died, among which 3 died of hemorrhagic shock from multiple trauma, 3 died of MOF after severe trauma, and 2 patients died of ARDS. Conclusion: Thoraco abdominal injuries are critical illness, it’s important to make an early diagnosis and chose a prompt and proper treatment strategy for the patients.