A prospective analysis of thoracic injuries in Harar, Hiwot Fana Hospital

A prospective follow up and analysis of 66 patients admitted to Hiwot Fana Hospital with all forms of thoracic injuries from the period of Aug/2001 - Aug /2003 was undergone. Data on the sociodemographic backgrounds, the type, nature and cause of injuries, time of arrival, clinical profiles, modalities of treatment and outcome were included. Majority of the subjects were males 60/66(90.9%) and the young were mostly involved. Penetrating injuries were the predominant types of injuries 48/66(72.7%). Homicides accounted for 49/66(74.2%) of the patients and farming land was the commonest reason for fights 18/49(27.3%). Most patients 47/66(71.2%) arrived later than two hours from the time of injury and hemopneumothorax was the commonest final diagnosis 27/66(40.9%). Half (50%) had associated injuries the commonest being to the extremities. Tube thoracostomy alone was the mainstay of management for 49/66(74.2%). Laparatomy and tube thoracostomy was done for 8/66 (12.1%). Five of the patients (7.6%) died. The mean hospital stay was around ten days. It is recommended that public education and introducing family planning methods are crucial to decrease the incidence. Availability of a well equipped set up for proper management of such injuries should also be given due emphasis.