title: Resuscitative thoracotomy in penetrating trauma.
abstract: The resuscitative thoracotomy (RT) is an important procedure in the management of penetrating trauma. As it is performed only in patients with peri-arrest physiology or overt cardiac arrest, survival is low. Experience is also quite variable depending on volume of penetrating trauma in a particular region. Survival ranges from 0% to as high as 89% depending on patient selection, available resources, and location of RT (operating or emergency rooms). In this article, published guidelines are reviewed as well as outcomes. Technical considerations of RT and well as proper training, personnel, and location are also discussed.
authors.affiliation: Auckland City Hospital Trauma Services, Park Road Grafton, Auckland, 1023, New Zealand.
authors.forename: Lindsay M
authors.initials: LM
authors.lastname: Fairfax
authors.forename: Li
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Hsee
authors.forename: Ian D
authors.initials: ID
authors.lastname: Civil
mesh_terms: D000465:Algorithms; D004632:Emergency Medical Services; D004636:Emergency Service, Hospital; D006323:Heart Arrest / Q000628:therapy; D006801:Humans; D009873:Operating Rooms; D018579:Patient Selection; D017410:Practice Guidelines as Topic; D010818:Practice Patterns, Physicians'; D012151:Resuscitation / Q000193:education / Q000379:methods*; D018570:Risk Assessment; D013908:Thoracotomy; D009927:Tissue and Organ Procurement; D014950:Wounds, Penetrating / Q000150:complications*