Prospective evaluation of thoracoscopy for diagnosing diaphragmatic injury in thoracoabdominal trauma: A preliminary report

M. Gage Ochsner, Grace S. Rozycki, Frank Lucente, David C. Wherry, Howard R. Champion

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

114 Scopus citations

Abstract

Diagnosis of diaphragmatic injury (Dl) can be difficult in patients with penetrating trauma because physical examination, computed tomographic scan, chest x-ray films, and diagnostic peritoneal lavage may miss these injuries. Mandatory exploration has been recommended because of the increased mortality associated with missed Dl. Thoracoscopy was prospectively evaluated as a less invasive method for diagnosing Dl in patients with penetrating trauma. Over a 14-month period, 14 patients were evaluated by thoracoscopy; video thoracoscopy was used in the last 9. Findings of thoracoscopy were confirmed by laparotomy or laparoscopy. Thoracoscopy correctly identified the presence or absence of Dl in nine and five patients, respectively (all patients). Video thoracoscopy was easier and faster to perform than non-video thoracoscopy. This is the first reported series in which video thoracoscopy has been used for trauma. We found this procedure to be safe, accurate, and less invasive than laparotomy for diagnosing Dl.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)704-710
Number of pages7
JournalJournal of Trauma - Injury, Infection and Critical Care
Volume34
Issue number5
DOIs
StatePublished - May 1993
Externally publishedYes

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Surgery
  • Critical Care and Intensive Care Medicine

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