‘Torso-Tractotomy’- A New and Apt Terminology for a Novel Surgical Incision and Approach for Managing Penetrating Torso Injuries, Particularly Impalement or Transfixation Injuries: Naming and Report of a Technique

The ease and success of a surgical procedure is significantly dictated by the pre-operative planning, type and placement of an incision and surgical approach along with positioning of the patient. The ultimate goal of incision and approach is adequate exposure of ‘area of interest’ along with optimal healing, cosmesis and functional outcome. Some of the general principles which should be followed to achieve these goals are use of minimal ‘possible’ length of incision, minimal tissue handling including minimal possible retraction of tissues, appropriate patient positioning, and avoidance of iatrogenic injuries especially to important /vital structures like major vessels, spinal cord, bowels, etc.