Prevention and management of infections associated with combat-related thoracic and abdominal cavity injuries.
During wartime, abdominal and thoracic trauma constitutes approximately 20% of combat-related injuries. Rates of infection vary based upon organ of injury with the highest rates noted for trauma to the colon. This review focuses on the management and prevention of infections related to injuries of the thoracic and abdominal cavity. The evidence upon which these recommendations are based included military and civilian data from prior published guidelines, clinical trials, where available, reviews, and case reports. Areas of focus include antimicrobial therapy, irrigation and debridement, timing of surgical care, and wound closure. Overall, there are limited data available from the modern battlefield regarding the prevention or treatment of these infections and further efforts are needed to answer best treatment strategies.
Conger
Nicholas G
NG
Department of Medicine, Infectious Disease Service, Landstuhl Regional Medical Center, Ramstein Air Force Base, Germany. Nicholas.Conger@amedd.army.mil
Landrum
Michael L
ML
Jenkins
Donald H
DH
Martin
R Russell
RR
Dunne
James R
JR
Hirsch
Erwin F
EF
D000007:Abdominal Injuries / Q000628:therapy*; D006801:Humans; D008887:Military Medicine; D013898:Thoracic Injuries / Q000628:therapy*; D014857:Warfare; D014946:Wound Infection / Q000517:prevention & control* / Q000628:therapy*