Penetrating cardiac injury: factors affecting outcome

BACKGROUND: Penetrating cardiac injuries are rare but represent a high mortality. Early recognition of the injury and rapid intervention are necessary. We analyzed the characteristics of patients with penetrating injury and the factors affecting the outcome, including the experience of the general surgeon. METHODS: Twenty-three patients suffering penetrating cardiac injury were retrospectively evaluated in the Istanbul Okmeydanı Training and Research Hospital, Department of General Surgery between 1995 and 2009. Patients with no sign of life on admission were excluded. RESULTS: All patients were male, and the median age was 25 years. Fifteen patients had left ventricular, 4 had right ventricular and 4 had right atrial injuries; in addition, 2 patients had accompanying intra-abdominal injuries. No coronary vascular injury was reported, and pericardial tamponade did not statistically influence the outcome. Ten of 23 patients suffering of penetrating cardiac injury were lost, and in 6 of the 10 cases, the patient represented the first experience for the operating surgeon. CONCLUSION: The characteristics of the penetrating cardiac injuries seen in our institution are consistent with the literature. However, we believe that the surgeon's experience is another prognostic factor. Dedicated level 1 emergency services and trained trauma surgeons are invaluable.