title: An iatrogenic complication of closed tube thoracostomy for penetrating chest trauma.
abstract: Penetrating thoracic trauma poses a management challenge to the on-call surgeon. A casual and unwary approach can lead to unforeseen complications in the initial height of management of such patients. We present a case of penetrating thoracic trauma where initial management with closed tube thoracostomy resulted in intubation of the stomach that had herniated into the chest through a diaphragmatic rent. Patients with penetrating injuries to the zone between the abdomen and chest should be managed with a high index of suspicion.
authors.affiliation: Mayo Hospital, Lahore, Pakistan.
authors.forename: Syed Amer H
authors.initials: SA
authors.lastname: Andrabi
authors.forename: Syed Imran H
authors.initials: SI
authors.lastname: Andrabi
authors.forename: Muhammad
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Mansha
authors.forename: Muhammad
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Ahmed
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D015505:Chest Tubes / Q000009:adverse effects*; D004322:Drainage / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods; D006491:Hemothorax / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000209:etiology / Q000601:surgery; D006549:Hernia, Diaphragmatic, Traumatic / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000209:etiology / Q000601:surgery; D006801:Humans; D007441:Intubation, Gastrointestinal; D008297:Male; D011859:Radiography; D013898:Thoracic Injuries / Q000150:complications / Q000601:surgery*; D013907:Thoracostomy / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000295:instrumentation; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D014950:Wounds, Penetrating / Q000150:complications / Q000601:surgery*