Research Information System
İzmir Göğüs Hastanesi Dergisi, vol.39, no.2, pp.21-25, 2025 (Peer-Reviewed Journal)
ABSTRACT
Objective: Penetrating thoracic traumas account for approximately 10% of all thoracic injuries. Although tube thoracostomy is sufficient in many cases, small diaphragmatic injuries may be overlooked during the acute phase due to the limitations of imaging modalities. This study aimed to investigate the role of video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) in the detection and management of diaphragmatic injuries caused by stab wounds. Material and Methods: Patients who were treated in the Thoracic Surgery Department between February 2022 and July 2022 for penetrating thoracic trauma due to stab wounds were retrospectively analyzed. Patients who underwent VATS exploration because of clinical suspicion despite the absence of radiological findings of diaphragmatic injury were included. Demographic, clinical, intraoperative, and postoperative data were recorded. Results: A total of 12 patients were included (3 female, 9 male; mean age 31.8±9.9 years). The trauma was right-sided in 6 patients, left-sided in 4, and bilateral in 2. None showed radiological suspicion of diaphragmatic injury. VATS exploration revealed diaphragmatic lacerations in 3 patients (25.0%), all of which were repaired thoracoscopically. No intraoperative or postoperative complications occurred. The mean hospital stay was 4.2±0.7 days. Conclusion: Even in the absence of radiological suspicion, VATS exploration is a safe and effective method for the diagnosis and repair of diaphragmatic injuries in penetrating thoracic trauma due to stab wounds.