Survival of cardiac injuries due to penetrating trauma in patients over 15 years old treated at the trauma hospital "Dr. Manuel Giagni"

Abstract

Introduction: Penetrating cardiac trauma remains one of the most critical surgical emergencies, with high prehospital and in-hospital mortality. Early identification and timely surgical management are key determinants of survival. Materials and Methods: An observational, retrospective, and descriptive study analyzed 254 patients with penetrating cardiac trauma treated at the “Dr. Manuel Giagni” Trauma Hospital between 2022 and 2024. Epidemiological, clinical, surgical, and prognostic variables were evaluated using chi-square testing and logistic regression analysis. Results: Most patients were young males with an average age of 31.2 years, predominantly injured by stab wounds (83.7%). On admission, 78.3% presented with cardiac tamponade and 48.6% with shock. Sternotomy was the most frequently performed procedure (69.8%), with right ventricular injury being the most common (51.2%). The in-hospital mortality rate was 11.8%. Patients undergoing surgery within the first 30 minutes showed a survival rate of 92.4%. A total of 63.4% required intensive care, and 29.6% developed postoperative complications. Discussion: These findings reinforce the evidence that rapid care and early surgical intervention significantly improve outcomes. Hemodynamic stability upon admission and type of lesion also played a crucial role in clinical prognosis. Conclusion: Early surgical intervention and specialized trauma management substantially increased survival among patients with penetrating cardiac injuries. The results underscore the need to strengthen institutional protocols and response strategies in trauma units.