Summary

Emergency thoracotomy can be defined as thoracotomy “occurring either immediately at the site of injury, or in the emergency department or operating room as an integral part of the initial resuscitation process”. Following emergency thoracotomy, the overall survival rates for penetrating thoracic trauma are around 9–12%but have been reported to be as high as 38%. The survival rate for blunt trauma is approximately 1–2%. The decision to perform emergency thoracotomy involves careful evaluation of the scientific, ethical, social and economic issues.

This article aims to provide a review of the current literature and to outline the pathophysiological features, technical manoeuvres and selective indications for emergency thoracotomy as a component of the initial resuscitation of trauma victims with thoracic injury.