Penetrating Cardiac Injuries: Outcome of Treatment from a Level 1 Trauma Centre in South Africa

Background: Penetrating cardiac injuries are rare in South African and international literature. regarded as one of the most lethal trauma patients. The mechanism injury varies across world. In developing countries, stab wounds cause majority penetrating injuries. These remain clinically challenging associated with high mortalities. Aim: To describe our experience outcome their management at a level 1 unit Johannesburg, Africa. Materials methods: We retrospectively reviewed all patients who presented over period four years (1 January 2016 to 31 December 2019). were identified using hospital database. patient’s demographics, injury, severity score, vital signs, investigation findings, final diagnosis, type operation, length stay, morbidities, mortalities recorded. Results: There was total 167 identified. 151 (90.4%) males, an overall median age 29 (IQR 24–34). Stab accounted for 77.8% injuries, while gunshot (GSW) 22.2%. score (ISS) revised (RTS) 25 7.1, respectively. right ventricle injured chamber (34.7%), followed by left (29.3%), auricle (13.2%), atrium (10.2%), combined 7% A commonly used incision sternotomy (51.5%), anterior-lateral thoracotomy (26.9%), emergency room (19.2%), clamshell (2.4%). mortality rate 40.7%, 29.2% wounds. Twenty-four (14.4%) died department, sixteen (9.6%) on table theatre, remaining twenty-eight (16.7%) intensive care or wards. Gunshot wounds, other ISS, low RTS, Glasgow coma scale significantly more likely result death (p < 0.001). Conclusions: often fatal, but can be improved appropriate resuscitation work-up. heart safely managed trauma/general surgeons setting. physiology presentation determines outcomes injury.