Treatment outcomes in patients with gunshot wounds to the chest

In this study, we evaluated early and late postoperative periods in civilians with gunshot wounds to the chest. The following diagnostic and treatment measures should be taken in the early postoperative period according to the type of injury and surgical tactics: 1) pain management; 2) restoration of airway patency; 3) puncture or adequate drainage of the pleural cavity (if needed); 4) hemostasis and blood replenishment (reinfusion); 5) infusion, antibacterial, and symptomatic therapy. The only exception were the patients with signs of intense ongoing bleeding (damage to the mediastinal organs, extensive lung injury, involvement of major vessels, etc.) who were immediately delivered in the operating room, where they had surgery and intensive care. Two types of complications may develop in the late postoperative period: purulent septic complications (most frequently osteomyelitis requiring repeated surgery) and adhesion in the chest not requiring repeated surgery.