J Trauma
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A case of false aneurysm of the common carotid artery after blunt trauma is described. We found seven other such cases in the literature. The literature is reviewed and it is concluded that this rare injury should be operated on as soon as the diagnosis has been made. Lateral excision and arteriorrhaphy, or aneurysm resection in larger lesions, are recommended.
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Records of 373 patients with penetrating wounds of the lung seen at the Ben Taub General Hospital over a 1-year period were reviewed. Intercostal tube thoracostomy was the only therapy required in 282 patients. Thoracotomy was performed in 91 patients with repair of a pulmonary lesion in only 45 patients. ⋯ Penetrating lung trauma in the majority of patients may be treated conservatively with a low incidence of infection or complication. Of the patients who require thoracotomy, associated injuries will frequently represent the major operative indication. Early thoracotomy for complication of clotted hemothorax or empyema is encouraged.