Abstract:
Background-chest injuries constitute a continuing challenge to the trauma or general surgeon
practicing in developing countries. This study was conducted to outline the etiological spectrum,
injury patterns and short term outcome of these injuries in our settingObjective -The main goal of this study was to analyse the patterns and outcomes of chest injury
in patients admitted to the surgical wards of JUSH from 2014 - 2015 G.C.
Method - a cross sectional study was conducted through a retrospective analysis of patients
admitted to JUSH from 2014-2015 G.C. The data was collected from patient’s charts and OR log
books. All patients sustaining chest injury and admitted to surgical wards in the study period
were included. A structured check list was used to collect data. Data was analysed by SPSS
version 20 computer software.
Result - a total of 140 chest injury patients were studied. Males outnumbered females by a ratio
of 10.6:1. Their ages ranged from 7 to 60 years (mean = 27.24 years). The majority of patients
were (57.1%) penetrating chest injuries. Accidents were the most common cause of injuries
affecting 57.1% of patients. More than one injury, rib fractures, and viscus injury were the most
common associated injuries accounting for 32.1%, 21.4% and 14.3% respectively. The majority
of patients (46.4%) were treated successfully with non-operative approach. 34 patients (24.3%)
had complications. The mean length of hospital stay was 7.2 days and mortality rate was 14.3%.
Conclusion-cest injuries resulting from accidents (RTCs) remain a major public health problem
in this part of the country. Urgent preventive measures targeting at reducing the occurrence of
RTCs is necessary to reduce the incidence of chest injuries in this region.
