Eur J Trauma Emerg S
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Tracheal injuries are uncommon after blunt trauma. Early diagnosis and urgent treatment are primordial to reduce both mortality and morbidity. ⋯ The diagnosis of a tracheal rupture was established and the rupture was closed surgically. The management of the patient with suspected tracheal rupture is discussed.
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Cardiac and pulmonary injuries present major challenges in diagnosis and treatment. Distinct differences between penetrating and blunt trauma of these organs exist. ⋯ Organized trauma systems can provide optimal care by minimizing prehospital time, allowing easy access to imaging modalities, and offering state-of-the-art treatment strategies. A multidisciplinary approach, including surgeons, intensivists, and others, is absolutely necessary.
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Intra-abdominal organs, most commonly the spleen and liver, are injured in 40-50% of polytraumatized patients. Because of its important immunological functions, preservation of the injured spleen is of paramount importance. ⋯ In trauma cases, every attempt should be made to save the spleen. If splenectomy cannot be avoided, the splenectomized patient should be immunized against pneumococcus and be informed of his/ her resultant immune deficiency.