SURGICAL TACTICS FOR COMBINED CHEST INJURIES IN CHILDREN

Abstract

Chest injuries in children, despite their relative rarity, are among the most severe and clinically significant forms of pediatric traumatology [1]. The incidence of chest injuries among all pediatric injuries is approximately 4–8% [2]. The nature of injuries in children differs from that in adults: due to the high elasticity of the chest, pulmonary contusions, pulmonary contusions, pneumothorax, and hemothorax are more common, while rib fractures are less common [3]. Combined injuries, especially in polytrauma, significantly worsen the prognosis, increasing the risk of respiratory and cardiovascular failure, complications, and mortality [4]. To date, there are limited data on the frequency of use of surgical methods, their effectiveness, and outcomes in children, making the development of differentiated surgical tactics relevant [5].