Open AccessPenetrating abdominal injury in a polytrauma patient: Anaesthetic challenges faced
Author(s) -
Thrivikrama Padur Tantry,
Dinesh Kadam,
Pramal Shetty,
Karunakara K. Adappa,
BG Muralishankar,
Sachin J. Shenoy
Publication year - 2011
Publication title -
journal of anaesthesiology-clinical pharmacology/journal of anaesthesiology clinical pharmacology
Language(s) - Uncategorized
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.466
H-Index - 32
eISSN - 2231-2730
pISSN - 0970-9185
DOI - 10.4103/0970-9185.81846
Subject(s) - medicine , polytrauma , supine position , hemopneumothorax , resuscitation , hemorrhagic shock , intubation , shock (circulatory) , anesthesia , haemorrhagic shock , surgery , gunshot injury , radiology , pneumothorax
Penetrating abdominal injuries are potentially life threatening due to the associated hemorrhagic shock and visceral injury. Through and through penetrating injury with polytrauma is rarely encountered. We report a case presenting with in situ projecting heavy metallic rod in a through and through penetrating abdominal injury along with foreign body in a road traffic accident. Anaesthetic management was difficult due to inability to position in supine, rapidly progressing hemorrhagic shock and hypoxia due hemopneumothorax. Two operating tables were used with adequate intervening space to accommodate the posteriorly projecting metallic rod during intubation in supine position. Intensive monitoring and resuscitation resulted in uneventful successful outcome.