Clinical and epidemiological profile of victims of chest trauma undergoing surgical treatment at a referral hospital

Aims: To describe the clinical and epidemiological profile of victims of chest trauma undergoing surgical treatment at a referral hospital for trauma. Methods: A cross-sectional epidemiological study analysed medical records of all patients admitted with chest trauma and underwent surgery between August and November 2011 in Emergency Hospital of Goiania. Results: Participants were 89 (89%) men and 11 (11%) women, most between 20 and 39 years (49%). The stab wounds (57.9%) and hemopneumothorax (45.6%) were more frequent in open chest injury and motorcycle accidents (62.8%), and hemothorax (48.8%) was more frequent in blunt trauma. The x-ray (69%) and unilateral chest tube drainage (78%) were the main means of diagnosis and treatment. Among patients with open chest trauma, 11 (19.3%) required thoracotomy and of these, 36.3% had lung lesions. Most patients (48%) were hospitalized for three to four days. The mortality rate was 11%. Conclusions: The profile of victims of chest trauma requiring surgical care consisted mainly of young men with injuries caused by stab wound or motorcycle accidents, presenting hemopneumothorax or hemothorax. In most cases these lesions were diagnosed by x-rays and treated with closed drainage. Most patients had a good outcome, with shorter hospitalization's time followed by hospital discharge. This information can assist in the organization of emergency hospital care as well as in the implementation of preventive measures and awareness.