Multiple Thoracoabdominal Impalement Injuries

Abstract

AbstractA 20-year-old male was impaled through the chest, abdomen, and right upper thigh by three 1.5 cm (0.59 in) diameter rods, each 2 m (6.56 ft) in length. The first rod entered below his right nipple, the second through the right hypochondrium, and the third through the right upper thigh. He was transported to the hospital with the rods in situ. This paper provides insight as to how these unusual injuries were managed in a limited-resource environment. Even in a developing country, the challenges posed by multiple impalement injuries can be managed successfully by rapid prehospital transfer, along with an adequate and coordinated hospital team effort.