Thoracic Trauma: Epidemiological, Diagnostic, Therapeutic, and Prognostic Aspects at the University Clinic of Visceral Surgery of CNHU-HKM in Cotonou from 2017 to 2023

Introduction: Trauma, due to its high frequency, constitutes a major public health concern. Thoracic injuries, in particular, hold significant importance because of their potential severity. The aim of this study was to assess the epidemiological, diagnostic, therapeutic, and prognostic aspects of thoracic trauma at the university clinic of visceral surgery of the National University Hospital Center Hubert Koutoukou Maga (CNHU-HKM) in Cotonou, from 2017 to 2023.Materials and Methods: This was a retrospective, descriptive, and analytical study conducted over a 7-year period, involving 122 patients treated for thoracic trauma. Results: During the study period, thoracic trauma accounted for 3.14% of hospital admissions. The mean age of patients was 38.23 years, with a sex ratio of 9.16. Road traffic accidents were the leading cause (63.1%), followed by assaults and fights (18.85%). Blunt chest trauma were more common. Chest X-ray was the most performed imaging, revealing hemothorax in 47.90% of cases and rib fractures in 39.50% as the most frequent injuries. Associated injuries included abdominal trauma (62.07%), limb injuries (27.59%), and cranioencephalic trauma (24.14%). The most common therapeutic approach was medical management combined with chest drainage (81.15%), which was usually sufficient to achieve a favorable outcome. The hospital mortality rate was 0.82%. Conclusion: Thoracic trauma cases are increasing at the university clinic of visceral surgery of CNHU-HKM, however the clinical outcomes remain favorable in most cases.