[Errors and complications in penetrating thoracic injuries].

Examination, treatment, and postoperative complications in 286 patients with penetrating chest injuries are analysed. Errors in the diagnosis and treatment were disclosed in 104 (36.4%) cases. All of the wounded were operated on, a total of 490 operations were carried out. Complications occurred in 69 (14.1%) patients. Sixteen (5.6%) patients died. Diagnostic errors were made in 28 patients, tactical in 25, technical in 51, faulty postoperative management was revealed in 18 patients. A connection between the errors and complications was established in 52 cases with complications (75.4%). Gross fatal errors were made in 7 of 16 patients who died.