Stab-wounds and other penetrating injuries of the abdomen and thorax.

A series of 100 penetrating wounds of the abdomen and thorax is reviewed. Eighty-three were due to stab-wounds. The recent increase in incidence is confirmed and the distribution throughout the day and months of the year is given. The results and methods of treatment of thirty-six abdominal, ten thoraco-abdominal and thirty-seven thoracic wounds are given and described. An operative approach to abdominal wounds is supported. Conservative measures, including more frequent use of intercostal-tube drainage for pneumothorax and haemothorax, are satisfactory for the majority of chest wounds. Cardiac wounds require urgent assessment and resuscitation with pericardiocentesis and thoracotomy.