Damage control surgery for unstable thoracic wall injury

Abstract

Damage control surgery (DCS) consists of three steps: an abbreviated initial operation, resuscitation in the ICU, and a planned reoperation. Although DCS for lung and heart injury have been established, there is no concept of DCS for the chest wall. We experienced a successful case, in which a DCS of chest wall lifting procedure and internal pneumatic stabilization were performed on the flail chest accompanied by a remarkable destruction of chest wall. As a result, the patient's abnormal breathing improved. Surgical fixations using KANI plate were performed at a later date. We suggest that the chest wall lifting procedure may be suitable as a DCS for thoracic cage destruction from severe chest wall injury. Keywords: Damage control surgery, Thoracic wall destruction, Rib fracture, Surgical stabilization