Penetrating stab wounds of the chest: experience with 200 consecutive cases.

The incidence of penetrating wounds of the chest is rising rapidly. Opinions continue to differ on their management. Our experience with 200 consecutive cases of stab wounds of the chest between 1972 and 1975 were reviewed. There were 176 males and 24 females. The average age was 31 years; about two-thirds of the patients were under 30. About 74% presented with hemothorax or hemopneumothorax; 21 presented with pneumothorax. Eleven per cent had associated intra-abdominal injuries. Seventy-nine per cent were successfully treated with tube thoracostomy. About 15% underwent thoracotomy, with three deaths (mortality, 10%); the mortality for cardiac wounds was 16%; overall mortality was 1.5%. The overall complication rate was 5.5%, most occurring in patients with cardiac wounds and associated intra-abdominal injuries. The average period of hospitalization was 6.5 days. Treatment was individualized. Indications for each course of therapy are discussed.