title: Complex thoracic injuries.
abstract: Complex thoracic injuries are a leading cause of death in trauma patients. Four difficult problems of diagnosis and treatment are discussed, including (1) air leak not associated with pneumothorax, (2) management of major thoracic esophageal injuries, (3) penetrating trauma, and (4) retained hemothorax and empyema.
authors.affiliation: Department of Surgery, University of Louisville, Kentucky, USA.
authors.forename: J D
authors.initials: JD
authors.lastname: Richardson
authors.forename: F B
authors.initials: FB
authors.lastname: Miller
authors.forename: E H
authors.initials: EH
authors.lastname: Carrillo
authors.forename: D A
authors.initials: DA
authors.lastname: Spain
mesh_terms: D001980:Bronchi / Q000293:injuries; D004653:Empyema / Q000209:etiology / Q000601:surgery; D004947:Esophagus / Q000293:injuries; D006491:Hemothorax / Q000209:etiology / Q000601:surgery; D006801:Humans; D008478:Mediastinal Emphysema / Q000209:etiology; D011026:Pneumopericardium / Q000209:etiology; D011182:Postoperative Care; D013898:Thoracic Injuries / Q000150:complications / Q000601:surgery*; D013908:Thoracotomy; D014132:Trachea / Q000293:injuries; D014950:Wounds, Penetrating / Q000601:surgery