A 27-year-old woman sustains multiple rib fractures in a road traffic accident. When is an urgent thoracotomy not indicated?
Understand the Problem
The question is asking about the clinical criteria that indicate an urgent thoracotomy is not necessary for a patient with rib fractures. It requires an understanding of trauma management and indicators for surgical intervention.
Answer
Flail chest with evidence of hemothorax.
An urgent thoracotomy is not indicated for flail chest with evidence of hemothorax.
Answer for screen readers
An urgent thoracotomy is not indicated for flail chest with evidence of hemothorax.
More Information
Urgent thoracotomy is typically indicated for massive hemorrhage, great vessel injury, or cardiac tamponade. Flail chest with hemothorax usually involves stabilization and management through other means.
Tips
Confusing indications for thoracotomy with other treatment requirements for blunt thoracic injuries can lead to incorrect assumptions.
Sources
- Indications for Early Thoracotomy in the Management of Chest Trauma - annalsthoracicsurgery.org
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