Cinical analysis of thoracoabdominal combined injuries in 92 cases

Objective To explore the characteristics of diagnosis and treatment of thoracoabdominal combined injuries (TCI). Methods A retrospective study was carried out in 92 cases of TCI treated surgically, among whom were 41 cases (44.57%) with penetrating injury caused by sharp instument and 51 (55.43%) with blunt injury. Traffic injury was commonly seen. The injuries due to different causes and their clinical signs as well as operative measures were analyzed. Results Of 92 cases, 42 (45.65%) had diaphragmatic ruptures preoperatively, 88 (95.65%) diaphragmatic rupture was found in the first operation and was repaired; 4 (4.35%) did not receive disgnosis due to neglect of the diaphragm in operation; and 13 (14.13%) died. Conclusions TCI is a special type of multiple trauma with severe and complicated injuries and a high mortality. The diagnosis should be based on the mechanism of trauma and volume of bleeding. In the meantime, special attention should be paid to avoiding the missed diagnosis of diaphragmatic injuries. The treatment principle is thoracic injury first and laparotomy second.