Penetrating chest trauma secondary to falling on metallic (iron) bar

Impalement Thoracoabdominal Trauma Secondary to Falling on Metallic (Iron) Bars: An Extremely Rare and Unique Case

Introduction

Penetrating thoracoabdominal injuries are potentially life threatening due to the associated hemorrhagic shock and visceral injury. Through and through penetrating injury with polytrauma is rarely encountered.

Case Presentation

Here we report on a 25-year-old male with penetrating thoracoabdominal injury caused by a metallic (iron) bar projecting from a pillar of a construction site after he fell down from a height.

Conclusions

Anesthetic and surgical management was difficult due to the inability to position in supine and rapidly progressing hemorrhagic shock. Surgical management for extraction of this iron bar and intensive monitoring and resuscitation resulted in an uneventful successful outcome.