Mr. Van, a 62-year-old man, fell down the stairs from a height of 3 meters, resulting in a fractured rib cage, pleural effusion, and a high risk of infection. After the accident, he experienced difficulty breathing and was treated at Kien Giang Provincial Hospital. His pleural fluid increased significantly, causing compression and partially collapsing his lung. The doctor placed a pleural drain to address these issues. However, after 5 days, his lungs were still collapsed, so he was transferred to Tam Anh General Hospital in Ho Chi Minh City.
At Tam Anh General Hospital, Dr. Tran Quoc Hoai, from the Department of Cardiovascular and Thoracic Surgery, diagnosed Mr. Van with 7 broken ribs, a segment of the chest that was displaced, and hemothorax. The medical team performed surgery to access the pleural cavity, remove adhesions, fluid, and blood clots, and rearrange the displaced ribs. The operation was successful, and Mr. Van experienced relief from pain, improved lung expansion, and no complications after three days.
Fractures in chest trauma are common and can be caused by various incidents such as traffic accidents, falls, or daily life accidents. Apart from broken ribs, chest injuries can also affect other parts of the body such as the collarbone, shoulder blade, lungs, blood vessels, and more. It is crucial for patients with chest injuries to seek immediate medical attention in case of severe pain, difficulty breathing, or other unusual symptoms.
In conclusion, chest injuries can have serious consequences and require prompt medical intervention to prevent complications and reduce the risk of death. Patients should be vigilant for any signs of abnormalities after a chest injury and seek medical help if they experience persistent pain or difficulty breathing.