Conventional mechanical ventilation in unilateral pulmonary contusion following blunt chest trauma

Abstract

Twelve patients with unilateral puimonary contusion following blunt chest trauina received conventional mechanical ventilation for hypoxaemic respiraiory failure. Nosocomial pneumonia and adult respiratory distress syndrome developed in all pbtients r'esultins in prolonged ventilator therapy. Conventio"nal ventilatory support was ridt successful in reducing morbidity. The optimum pattern of mechanical ventilation in pulmonarv'contusion remains controversial. SAlit lung ventilation with selective separate tidal v"olumes and positive end expiratory pressure has shown encouraging results in s<jme sfudies. Alternative treatment modalities are necessary to salvase oxygenation and reduce morbidity i" il-l"3e patients.