[Penetrating thoracic and abdominothoracic wounds. Results of treatment in 221 cases (author's transl)].

Overall mortality after treatment of 221 thoracic or abdominothoracic wounds was 5 p. cent in a recent series, mortality from bullet wounds being the double of that from other weapons. Isolated thoracic wounds without cardiac lesions have a good prognosis, whereas mortality after heart or abdominothoracic wounds remains high (12.5 p. and 14 p. cent respectively). Apart from those with severe hepatic injuries or wounds of the suprahepatic veins, most of the injured patients that died were in cardiac arrest on arrival. Different therapeutic attitudes are necessary for pure thoracic wounds and those involving the abdominothoracic region. It is essential to gain as much time as possible at all stages, particularly during transport of the injured and when deciding the course of treatment, to avoid losing patients with curable lesions.