Factores asociados a la necesidad de intervención quirúrgica en pacientes con trauma torácico por heridas penetrantes atendidos en el Hospital General Monte Sinaí durante el periodo 2024–2025.

Abstract

Penetrating thoracic trauma constitutes one of the leading causes of morbidity and mortality in emergency departments, especially in contexts of violence. It occurs when a sharp object or projectile penetrates the chest wall and involves the parietal pleura, potentially affecting vital structures such as the lungs, heart, and great vessels. Clinically, it should be suspected in the presence of air leakage through the wound, subcutaneous emphysema, or the expulsion of food contents. Objective: The aim of this study is to identify the clinical factors associated with the need for surgical intervention in patients with penetrating thoracic trauma treated at Hospital General Monte Sinaí during the 2024–2025 period. Methodology: An observational, retrospective, and cross-sectional study will be conducted, with a non-experimental design and an analytical approach, based on the review of medical records without manipulation of variables. Results: Male sex predominates in firearm-related injuries (63.3%), particularly among adults aged 51 to 60 years. The main mechanism of injury is firearm use (73.3%), with greater involvement of the right hemithorax. The most frequent complications include hemothorax and pneumothorax. The most relevant clinical manifestations include abnormal breath sounds and tachypnea, the latter showing a significant association with the need for surgery. Additionally, factors such as cardiac tamponade (OR=9.3), arterial hypotension (OR=7.0), hemothorax (OR=4.0), and pneumothorax (OR=2.85) are identified as important predictors of surgical intervention.