[Experiences in the therapy of lung contusions. Retrospective study of 424 patients].

A group of 424 patients diversely injured with a lung contusion was examined on problems of diagnosis and therapy. Additional injuries and the modes of accident were helpful in deciding on early mechanical ventilation. Waiting for a deterioration of blood gas analysis or a positive x-ray proved to be too harmful. These rules together with exclusive application of PEEP-Ventilation correlates with a decrease in lethal outcome from 28.1% in 1974 with a mortality rate of 18.8% of pulmonary insufficiency to 8% in 1983 with a lethality of less than 2% of pulmonary insufficiency.