Causes and outcomes of chest injury in patients admitted to surgical wards of jush: a retrospective longitudinal study

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.