This document discusses penetrating injuries and management approaches. It provides information on:
1) Factors that determine energy transfer from penetrating weapons including weapon type, range, and tissue properties. Vital structures like brain and liver are more susceptible to injury.
2) Options for managing penetrating torso trauma have expanded from routinely operating to include selective non-operative approaches with monitoring.
3) Indications for emergency thoracotomy or laparotomy include hemodynamic instability, peritonitis on exam, or unexpected drops in vitals or hematocrit. Triple-contrast CT can help determine need for surgery.
This document discusses penetrating injuries and management approaches. It provides information on:
1) Factors that determine energy transfer from penetrating weapons including weapon type, range, and tissue properties. Vital structures like brain and liver are more susceptible to injury.
2) Options for managing penetrating torso trauma have expanded from routinely operating to include selective non-operative approaches with monitoring.
3) Indications for emergency thoracotomy or laparotomy include hemodynamic instability, peritonitis on exam, or unexpected drops in vitals or hematocrit. Triple-contrast CT can help determine need for surgery.