The anesthetic management of thoracic trauma

Abstract

A retrospective study of thoracic trauma has revealed that mortality rises sharply with massive blood loss and transfusions reflecting the severity of the injury. A plan based on these findings includes adequate stabilization and evaluation in the emergency department, placement of at least two large bore intravenous catheters, adequate monitoring, rapid induction, and maintenance with a minimally depressing technique. Fluid therapy and blood replacement should be on an individual basis. Major complications encountered were hypotension, respiratory failure, and wound infections, sometimes leading to sepsis.