Management of chest impalement injury. (2019)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Bergaminelli, Carlo; Salvi, Rosario; Mattiacci, Dario Maria; Messina, Giovanni; Cicalese, Marcellino; Curcio, Carlo; Buono, Salvatore; Corcione, Antonio; Rispoli, Marco
• Is Part Of: International journal of surgery case reports. Volume 61(2019)
• Page Start: 123
• Page End: 126
• Publication Date: 2019
• Subjects: Chest wall -- Trauma -- Penetrating -- Bleeding -- Thoracic surgery; Surgery -- Periodicals; Surgical Procedures, Operative -- Periodicals; Surgery; Electronic journals; Periodicals; 617.005
• DOI: 10.1016/j.ijscr.2019.07.043
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2210-2612

Abstract

Highlights: Impalement injuries are a challenging scenario involving several specialities. Surgeons were forced to operate in an even circumstances, not being able to turn the patient in a lateral position. The double thoracotomy and the expedient of the haemostatic plug allowed to control bleeding with absolute safety margins. Abstract: Presentation of case: We will describe the case of a man who impaled himself on a greenhouse pole by falling off a ladder. Discussion: The belated radiological exclusion of any spine and neck lesions forced the surgeons to operate with the patient supine and on a spine board, which prevented them from performing the classic thoracotomy and reaching the entry hole in the right scapula area. Conclusion: A double thoracotomy and the expedient of a haemostatic plug, positioned simultaneously with the extraction of the pole, allowed to control bleeding with absolute safety margins.