Prognostic factors in flail-chest patients.

Objective: The records of 250 patients presenting with flail-chest injury in a level I trauma centre were reviewed and analysed in order to determine prognostic factors.

Methods: There were 250 consecutive trauma patients with flail chest, 183 men (73.2%) and 67 women (26.

Spontaneous pneumomediastinum: a rare benign entity.

Objective: Spontaneous pneumomediastinum usually occurs in young people without an apparent precipitating factor or disease. Thoracic surgeons are involved in the diagnosis and management of this entity because of the potentially life-threatening conditions that either must be treated as an emergency or excluded, such as esophageal perforation or necrotizing mediastinitis. We present our modest experience in treating spontaneous pneumomediastinum.

Primary traumatic pulmonary pseudocysts: a rare entity.

Objective: Pulmonary contusion is the usual manifestation of lung parenchymal injury after blunt chest trauma. With deceleration these parenchymal lacerations can result in cavities known as primary traumatic pulmonary pseudocysts (TPPC). We present our experience in treating this rare entity.

Bronchobiliary fistulae due to echinococcosis.

Objective: A bronchobiliary fistula (BBF) is a rare complication of echinococcosis due to rupture of hydatid cysts located at the upper surface of the liver to the bronchial tree. We present our experience in treating this uncommon and dangerous entity.

Material: During the last 20 years, 21 patients, ten men and 11 women ranging in age from 26 to 83 years with a BBF were treated in our department.

Management of esophageal foreign bodies: a retrospective review of 400 cases.

Objective: A retrospective study was conducted in 400 patients with esophageal foreign bodies (EFB) to assess characteristics of EFB and methods of treatment.

Methods: From 1962 through 1998, 400 patients with EFB were treated in our department on an emergency basis. There were 202 men (50%) and 198 women (49.