Diagnostik bei Thoraxtrauma

Abstract

In most cases the clinical examination allows a reliable assessment of the severity of the trauma and the damage already sustained. In the vast majority of patients the only procedure needed for definitive treatment is decompression of the pleural cavity to correct a pneumothorax or haemothorax. Patients who are stable should undergo thoracic X-ray or ultrasound examination. Bronchoscopy, computer tomography, angio-CT and tracheobronchoscopy are generally reserved for specific situations. In any patients whose condition is not stable thoracotomy should be performed immediately for the purposes of both diagnosis and treatment. © Springer Medizin Verlag 2007.