Chest Trauma - Washington Manual of Surgery

Let’s talk chest trauma—Join Dr. Phelps for a discussion with expert trauma surgeon Dr. Niziolek. This episode of the Washington Manual of Surgery Podcast will focus on trauma of the thoracic cavity and is a companion to Chapter 7 of the 9th edition of the bestselling Washington Manual of Surgery.  


Dr. Niziolek discusses chest trauma, highlighting its prevalence and high mortality rate, especially in cases involving thoracic injuries. She goes into detail on initial assessment and management following the ABCs (airway, breathing, circulation) protocols and procedures such as chest tube placement and resuscitative thoracotomy. The episode covers essential anatomy considerations and protocols for massive transfusion and emergency thoracotomy criteria. 


Guest Host: Hannah Phelps, MD – General surgery resident at WashU Medicine. 


Guest: Grace Niziolek, MD, is an assistant professor in the Department of Surgery at WashU Medicine. Dr. Niziolek’s specialty is in surgical critical care. 


References:

Burlew CC, et al. "Resuscitative Thoracotomy." Western Trauma Association Practice Management Guidelines. Accessed 3/4/2025. https://www.westerntrauma.org/algorit... (https://nam10.safelinks.protection.ou...)


Moore EE, Knudson MM, Burlew CC, et al. Defining the limits of resuscitative emergency department thoracotomy: a contemporary Western Trauma Association perspective. J Trauma. Feb 2011;70(2):334-9. doi:10.1097/TA.0b013e3182077c35


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The Washington Manual of Surgery Podcast is a companion to the Washington Manual of Surgery (9th Edition). For more comprehensive surgical education, pick up a copy of the Washington Manual of Surgery: https://bit.ly/41xJ0aQ (https://shop.lww.com/The-Washington-M...)


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For more information about the Department of Surgery at WashU Medicine, visit https://surgery.wustl.edu/ and follow us on social media.

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