Management of chest injuries--a 5 year retrospective survey.

One hundred and eighty one patients with chest injuries (145 with blunt injuries and 36 with penetrating injuries) were managed using a standardized protocol at the JIPMER Hospital between 1990 and 1995. The insertion of an intercostal tube drain, provision of analgesia and oxygen was sufficient in 80 per cent of patients. An operation was required in 30 per cent of those with penetrating injuries but in only 6.2 per cent of those with blunt injuries. Most patients with chest injuries do not require an operation and can be treated adequately at District General Hospitals. Those with penetrating injuries are more likely to need surgery than those with blunt injuries.