• Journal of Trauma and Injury
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• v.36 no.3
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• pp.224-230
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• 2023

Purpose: Patients with penetrating injuries are at a high risk of mortality, and many of them require emergency surgery. Proper triage and transfer of the patient to the emergency department (ED), where immediate definitive treatment is available, is key to improving survival. This study aimed to evaluate the epidemiology and outcomes of patients with penetrating torso injuries in Incheon Metropolitan City. Methods: Data from trauma patients between 2014 and 2018 (5 years) were extracted from the National Emergency Department Information System. In this study, patients with penetrating injuries to the torso (chest and abdomen) were selected, while those with superficial injuries were excluded. Results: Of 66,285 patients with penetrating trauma, 752 with injuries to the torso were enrolled in this study. In the study population, 345 patients (45.9%) were admitted to the ward or intensive care unit (ICU), 20 (2.7%) were transferred to other hospitals, and 10 (1.3%) died in the ED. Among the admitted patients, 173 (50.1%) underwent nonoperative management and 172 (49.9%) underwent operative management. There were no deaths in the nonoperative management group, but 10 patients (5.8%) died after operative management. The transferred patients showed a significantly longer time from injury to ED arrival, percentage of ICU admissions, and mortality. There were also significant differences in the percentage of operative management, ICU admissions, ED stay time, and mortality between hospitals. Conclusions: Proper triage guidelines need to be implemented so that patients with torso penetrating trauma in Incheon can be transferred directly to the regional trauma center for definitive treatment.

• Journal of Trauma and Injury
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• v.29 no.1
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• pp.1-7
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• 2016

Purpose: Tracheobronchial injuries caused by trauma are rare, but can be life threatening. The objective of this study was to evaluate the surgical outcome for patients with tracheobronchial injuries and to determine the difference, if any, between the outcomes for patients with penetrating trauma and those for patients with blunt trauma. Methods: From January 2010 to June 2015, 40 patients underwent tracheobronchial repair surgery due to trauma. We excluded 14 patients with iatrogenic injuries, and divided the remaining 26 into two groups. Results: In the blunt trauma group, injury mechanisms were motor vehicle accident (9 cases), free falls (3 cases), flat falls (1 case) and mechanical injury (1 case). In the penetrating trauma group, injury mechanisms were stab wounds (10 cases), a gunshot wound (1 case) and a stab wound caused by metal pieces (1 case). The mean RTS (Revised Trauma Score) was $6.89{\pm}1.59$ (range: 2.40-7.84) and the mean ISS (Injury Severity Score) was $24.36{\pm}7.16$ (range: 11-34) in the blunt group; the mean RTS was $7.56{\pm}0.41$ (range: 7.11-7.84), and the mean ISS was $13{\pm}5.26$ (range: 9-25) in the penetrating trauma group. In the blunt trauma group, 9 primary repairs, 1 resection with end-end anastomosis, 2 lobectomies, 1 sleeve bronchial resection and 1 pneumonectomy were performed. In the penetrating trauma group, 10 primary repairs and 2 resections with end-end anastomosis were performed. Complications associated with surgery were found in one patient in the blunt trauma group, and one patient in the penetrating trauma group. No mortalities occurred in either groups. Conclusion: Surgical management of a traumatic tracheobronchial injury is a safe procedure for both patients with a penetrating trauma and those with a blunt trauma.

• Journal of Trauma and Injury
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• v.31 no.1
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• pp.1-5
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• 2018

Purpose: Although there has been substantial progress for the treatment of thoracic trauma, the mortality of the penetrating neck injury is still high, has been reported about 10-15%. However, there has not been a report which is reflecting Korean medical present. We retrospectively analyzed the penetrating neck injury patients based on the Korean Trauma Data Base. Methods: Between December 2013 and June 2017 at the trauma center of the Pusan National University Hospital, Busan, Korea, total of 36 patients with isolated low-velocity penetrating neck injuries were included. We analyzed the patients' age, gender, injury mechanism and causes by medical chart review. Results: Among total of 36 patients, 26 (72.2%) were male and 10 (27.8%) were female. Homicidal neck injuries were most common, followed by accidental and suicidal injuries (47% vs. 33% vs. 19%, respectively). All penetrating injuries in our study were low-velocity trauma such as following: knife (n=16, 44.4%); glass or glass bottle (n=11, 30.6%); scissors (n=4, 11.1%); grinder (n=2, 5.6%); and three (8.3%) of miscellaneous injuries. Twenty-seven (75.0%) patients underwent emergency surgery, and only one (2.8%) patient underwent elective surgery. Eleven (30.6) patients were diagnosed with superficial injuries, including six patients who had conservative treatment. Twelve (33.3%) patients had arterial injuries and 10 (27.8%) patients had venous injuries. The patients who had deep injuries showed significant difference against the patient with superficial injury (98.0 vs. 129.1, p=0.008). Conclusions: Low velocity penetrating injury confined to the neck is able to be successfully treated with prompt surgical management. Regardless of the conditions which are evaluated at emergency department, all penetrating neck injury patients should be regarded as urgent surgical candidates.

• Journal of Trauma and Injury
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• v.32 no.2
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• pp.93-100
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• 2019

Purpose: Penetrating vascular trauma though less common poses a challenge to all Surgeons. This study was designed to analyse the profile, management modalities of vascular trauma and the outcomes thereof at a Trauma Care Centre in a Tertiary care setting in hostile environment in India. Methods: A prospective review of all patients with arterial and venous injuries being transferred to the Trauma Center at out Tertiary Care Center between June 2015 and May 2018 was done. Demographics, admission data, treatment, and complications were reviewed. Results: There were a total of 46 patients with 65 vascular injuries, 39 arterial injuries and 26 venous injuries. The age range was 21 to 47 years. Nineteen patients had both arterial and venous injuries. A total of 42 cases presented within 12 hours of injury and complete arterial transections were found in 33 cases (80.49%). There were three mortalities (6.52%) and three amputations (8.33%). The overall limb salvage rate was 91.67% with popliteal artery being the commonest injured artery. Poor prognosticators for limb salvage were increasing time to present to the trauma centre, hypovolemic shock, multi-organ trauma and associated venous injuries. Conclusions: Penetrating missile trauma leading to vascular injuries has not been widely reported. Attempting limb salvage even in cases with delayed presentation should be weighed with the threat to life before revascularisation and should preferably be done at a centre with vascular expertise. A team approach with vascular, orthopaedic, general surgeons, and critical care anaesthesiologists all aboard improve the outcomes manifold. Use of tourniquets and early fasciotomies have been emphasized as is the use of native veins as the bypass conduit. This is probably the largest study on penetrating Vascular trauma in anti-terrorism ops from the Indian subcontinent. It highlights the significance of prompt recognition and availability of vascular expertise in optimally managing cases of vascular trauma.

• Journal of Chest Surgery
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• v.53 no.5
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• pp.291-296
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• 2020

Background: We report our 10-year experience with traumatic peripheral arterial injury repair at an urban level I trauma center. Methods: Between January 2007 and December 2016, 28 adult trauma patients presented with traumatic peripheral arterial injuries. Data were retrospectively collected on demographic characteristics, the mechanism of injury, the type of vascular injury, and physiological status on initial assessment. The analysis also included the Mangled Extremity Severity Score (MESS), Injury Severity Score, surgical procedures, and outcome variables including limb salvage, hospital stay, intensive care unit stay, and postoperative vascular complications. Results: Four (14.3%) patients required amputation due to failed revascularization. MESS significantly differed between patients with blunt and penetrating trauma (8.2±2.2 vs. 5.8±1.3, respectively; p=0.005). The amputation rate was not significantly different between patients with blunt and penetrating trauma (20% vs. 0%, respectively; p=0.295). The overall mortality rate was 3.6% (1 patient). Conclusion: Blunt trauma was associated with higher MESS than penetrating trauma, and amputation was more frequent. In particular, patients with blunt trauma had significantly higher MESS than patients with penetrating trauma (8.2±2.2 vs. 5.8±1.3, respectively; p=0.005), and amputation was performed when revascularization failed in cases of blunt trauma of the lower extremity. Therefore, particular care is needed in making treatment decisions for patients with peripheral arterial injuries caused by blunt trauma.

• Journal of Chest Surgery
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• v.20 no.4
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• pp.715-722
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• 1987

A clinical analysis was performed on 823 cases of the chest trauma experienced at department of thoracic & cardiovascular surgery, Kyung Hee University Hospital during the past 8 years from Jan, 1978 to Aug. 1986. 1. the ratio of male to female patient of the chest trauma was 3:1 in male predominance. 2. The common age groups were 3rd, 4th and 5th decades. 3. The most common causes of the chest trauma was traffic accidents [79.8%] were injured due to non-penetrating injuries and the remainders [166/823, 20.2%] were injured due to penetrating injuries 4. The frequently injured site of the chest trauma was left side of the chest [46%], and the right side was 42% 5. The most common injury from non-penetrating trauma was rib fracture [77.5%], and the incidence rate of flail chest was 59% of all cases of rib fractures. 6. The incidence rate of hemopneumothorax was 42.9% in non-penetrating traumas, and 84.3% in penetrating traumas. 7. The most common method of surgical treatment was closed tube thoracostomy [37.3%], and open thoracotomy was performed in 71 cases [8.6%]. 8. the overall mortality was 2.2%, and common causes of death were cerebral damage, respiratory insufficiency, and hypovolemic shock.

• Journal of Chest Surgery
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• v.41 no.1
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• pp.128-132
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• 2008

Penetrating vascular trauma to zone one of the neck is potentially life-threatening. Trauma in this anatomical location is difficult to access and manage because the neck is a small anatomic area with the anatomical proximity of vital structures. An accurate diagnosis and aggressive surgical intervention are critical to the successful outcome of penetrating zone one vascular trauma in the neck. Here we report two cases with review of the medical literature.

• Journal of Chest Surgery
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• v.27 no.8
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• pp.643-649
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• 1994

We evaluated sixteen patients of traumatic diaphragmatic injuries that we have experienced from Jan. 1987 to Aug 1993. Age was ranged from 6 to 71 years, predominantly in the fourth and fifth decades. 13 were male and 3 were female, a ratio of 4.3: 1. Blunt trauma was develped in 11 [Lt 7, Rt 4], penetrating trauma in 5 [Lt 2, Rt 3]. Preoperative diagnosis of diaphragmatic injury was possible in 8 patients [72.2 %] in blunt trauma, and 1 patient [20 %] in penetrating trauma. 8 cases[54.5%] in blunt trauma, and 4 cases in penetrating trauma were treated within 24 hours,meanwhile, patients treated after 10 days were 3, all by blunt trauma.The repair of 16 cases were performed with thoracic approach in 4 cases, thoracoabdominal approach in 3 cases, and abdominal approach in 9 cases. The herniated organs in thorax were stomach [5], colon [3], liver [2], and pancreas [1]. Postoperative complication were developed in 9cases[56.3%] significantly related with delayed operation time [p < 0.01 ]. Hospital mortality was 12.5 % [2/16], and the causes of death were hypovolemic shock in one and hepatic failure due to portal vein rupture in another.

• Journal of Chest Surgery
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• v.29 no.4
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• pp.433-439
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• 1996

From January 1980 to July 1995, 32 patients with blunt diaphragmatic trauma and 12 wish penetrating diaphragmatic trauma were treated at Kyungpook University Hospital. The mean age of patients with blunt trauma was 37.6 years, and with penetrating trauma 29.2 years. The mean age was older in patients with blunt trauma by 8.4 years (p< 0.05). When simple chest X-ray diagnosis was performed, 24cases (75%) of the diaphragmatic injuries were found in blunt trauma and 4 case(33%) in penetrating trauma. When opei.ations were done due to injuries of thoracic or abdominal organ, 7 diaphragmatic injuries (58%) were found in penetrating trauma. Herniation occurred in 24 patients (75%) in blunt trauma and 5 patients (42%) in penetrating truma. The size of injured diaphragms in 29 cases in which hernia was discovered was 10.9 $\pm$ 4.3cm. On the other hand, the size in 15 cases in which hernia did not occur was 3.5 $\pm$ 2.9cm. There was a remarkable difference in their size depending on the presence or absence of hernia (p< 0.051. That is, a close relation between the sire of injured diaphragms and hernia was shown. All diaphragmatic injuries were repaired primarily. In blunt trauma approach of repair were as follows : 20 (63%) thoracic, 9 abdominal, 2 thoracoabdominal, and 1 thoracic and in penetrating trauma 6 (50%) abdominal, 4 thoracic, and 2 thoracic and abdominal. The complication rate was 19% in blunt trauma and 25% in penetrating trauma. Two patients with blunt trauma died with a mortality rate of 6.3% . All patients with penetrating trauma recovered. This study suggests that diaphragmatic injury should be suspected in all patients w th blunt as well as penetrating injury of the chest and abdomen. The size of injured diaphragms was larger in blunt trauma than in penetrating trauma. For herniation, it appeared to be more common in blunt trauma. The morbidity and mortality were related primary to the severity of associated injuries.

• Journal of Chest Surgery
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• v.22 no.1
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• pp.123-133
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• 1989

A clinical evaluation was done on 182 cases of chest trauma which experienced at the Department of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery, National Medical Center, from Sep. 1980 to Dec. 1987. 1] Of 182 cases, 125 cases resulted from non-penetrating chest trauma and 57 cases from penetrating wound. 2] The ratio of male to female was 4.87:1, and age groups between 3rd and 6th decade were 71.9%. 3] The most common causes of chest trauma were traffic accident in non-penetrating and stab wound by knife in penetrating cases. 4] Left thorax was the preferred site of chest injury. 5] The incidences of hemothorax, pneumothorax, and hemopneumothorax were 69.6% in non-penetrating and 91% in penetrating. 6] Rib fractures between 4th rib and 8th rib were 68.8% of total rib fracture cases and left side was preferred site. 7] Methods of treatment were conservative management in 24.7%, closed thoracostomy in 54.9%, open thoracotomy in 14.3%, and etc. 8] The incidence of complications, were 11.5% of total cases, and they were atelectasis [8 cases], empyema [3 cases], pneumonia [3 cases], acute renal failure [2 cases], lung abscess [1 case], and etc. 9] The overall mortality was 6%, and causes of death were hypovolemic shock, renal failure, hepatic failure, respiratory failure, septic shock, and etc.