Abstract
No satisfactory system of drainage for infected war wounds of the chest has been employed that does not produce a more or less open pneumothorax. It is well known that open pneumothorax seriously disturbs the mechanics of respiration and circulation, and exposes large areas of pleural membrane to infection. It is well known also that open pneumothorax is very seldom cured spontaneously. Recent war surgery has demonstrated satisfactorily that the pleura is able to overcome a very extensive contamination and even a severe infection in a comparatively short time. But to do so the pleura must be in practically a normal condition otherwise, that is, free from accumulations of air or fluid. Patients operated on early and left with open drainage invariably have done badly. Patients not operated on have developed empyema or become septic. The middle ground offers the best chance, and patients operated on at a selected time
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callMore From: JAMA: The Journal of the American Medical Association
Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
