XXXX : a surgical challenge. Report of forty-one cases.

@entity1 @entity1913 @entity130
BACKGROUND: We present a discussion of the management of @entity130 and the factors that influence the choice of surgical approach based on our experience and a review of the literature. METHODS: Data of 41 @entity1 with @entity130 treated between 1996 and 2007 were analyzed retrospectively. RESULTS: A total of 29 @entity1 and 12 @entity1 between 15 and 56 years of age (mean age 34) were included in the study. Twenty-one @entity1 had penetrating injuries and 20 @entity1 had @entity1913 . The diagnosis was done preoperatively in 21 cases and intraoperatively in 20 cases. Thoracotomy was used in 23 cases, laparotomy in 11 cases, laparotomy-thoracotomy in 5 cases, sternotomy-laparotomy in 1 case, and sternotomy in 1 case. Emergency surgery was performed in 30 cases. Five cases were operated within 24 hours after admission to the emergency department. In 6 cases, surgery was performed 6 months to 4 years after the initial @entity130 . The mortality rate was 14.6 % and the operative morbidity was 2.4 %. CONCLUSION: A high index of suspect is vital for the diagnosis of @entity130 in an emergency setting. The type of approach is closely related to the associated injuries.
