title: Traumatic thoracic fistulas.
abstract: This article considers the wide range of fistulas that can result from blunt and penetrating trauma. The mechanisms, physical signs, diagnostic techniques, and nonoperative and operative management strategies for fistulas of the thorax are reviewed. Emphasis is placed on the requirement for a high index of suspicion in specific types of injury in which thoracic fistulas can occur.
authors.affiliation: Department of Surgery, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, North Carolina, USA.
authors.forename: M W
authors.initials: MW
authors.lastname: Sebastian
authors.forename: W G
authors.initials: WG
authors.lastname: Wolfe
mesh_terms: D001164:Arteriovenous Fistula / Q000209:etiology*; D001983:Bronchial Fistula / Q000209:etiology; D002057:Burns, Chemical; D004940:Esophageal Stenosis / Q000139:chemically induced; D005402:Fistula / Q000209:etiology*; D006331:Heart Diseases / Q000209:etiology*; D006335:Heart Injuries; D006801:Humans; D010995:Pleural Diseases / Q000209:etiology; D013898:Thoracic Injuries / Q000150:complications*; D014133:Tracheal Diseases / Q000209:etiology; D014138:Tracheoesophageal Fistula / Q000209:etiology; D014950:Wounds, Penetrating / Q000150:complications*