Stab to second intercostal space: a bubbling extrapleural wound.
A 37 year old man was found collapsed at the roadside and taken to the emergency department. Communication was difficult, as the patient could not speak English. There was a wound in the left second intercostal space on the midclavicular line, which was bleeding and was bubbling air. A drain was inserted, bleeding controlled, and his wounds sutured. Chest x ray later confirmed satisfactory placement of the drain. The following day, swelling and discharge indicated oesophageal damage, which was later confirmed by gastrografin swallow. With conservative management in hospital for 2 weeks, he made a full recovery and was discharged.
Jabbar
A
A
St. James' Hospital, Dublin, Ireland. ajabbar@eircom.net
Reynolds
J V
JV
Plunkett
P K
PK
D000328:Adult; D004947:Esophagus / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000293:injuries*; D005122:Exudates and Transudates; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D009104:Multiple Trauma / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D011859:Radiography; D035441:Thoracic Wall / Q000293:injuries*; D014951:Wounds, Stab / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*