TITLE:
Indications and Outcomes of Thoracotomies in Limited Technical Facilities of Surgery Department
AUTHORS:
Kouamé Samuel Abro, Kouakou Grégoire Ayegnon, Alassane Binaté, Kouadio Ismael N’guessan, Geu Christophe Ménéas, Alé Annabelle Edi, Mohamed Diané, Sié Jacques Karidioula, Kasssi Anicet Adoubi
KEYWORDS:
Indications, Thoracotomy, Bouaké
JOURNAL NAME:
World Journal of Cardiovascular Surgery,
Vol.16 No.11,
November
13,
2026
ABSTRACT: Objective: To evaluate the technique, indications, and outcomes of thoracotomy within our surgical setting. Materials and Methods: We conducted a retrospective, descriptive study at the Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery Unit of the Bouaké Teaching Hospital between January 2013 and December 2025. The study covered the records of 115 patients who underwent surgery. Results: Thoracotomies accounted for 52.04% (115/221) of surgical approaches used in the Cardiovascular and Thoracic Surgery Unit. The mean age was 29.87 ± 18.69 years, with a sex ratio of 3.79. Most patients were of low socioeconomic status (n = 83; 72.17%). The mean time to consultation at our hospital facility was 1031.69 ± 357.3 hours [ranged: 18 minutes to 3540 hours]. The mean time to surgical intervention was 15.99 ± 6.323 days [range: 1 to 528 days]. Indications included traumatic injuries (n = 45; 39.13%), effusion’s pericarditis (n = 35; 30.43%), non-tuberculous pyothorax (n = 23; 20%), sequelae of pulmonary tuberculosis (n = 8; 6.96%), mediastinitis (n = 1; 0.87%), lung tumor (n = 1; 0.87%), pleural tumor (n = 1; 0.87%), and mediastinal tumor (n = 1; 0.87%). Posterolateral thoracotomy was the most frequently performed approach (n = 70; 60.87%). End-sternotomy for pericardial drainage was the most common procedure performed (n = 38; 35.86%). Wound suppuration was the most frequent complication (n = 14; 73.70%). The mean length of hospital stay was 17.28 ± 13.53 days [ranged: 1 - 93 days]. The postoperative mortality rate was 10.43% (n = 12). Conclusion: Thoracotomies are frequently performed in young adults, both as emergency and delayed procedures. Our study population was of low socioeconomic status. Thoracotomies are indicated for thoracic infectious diseases, including pyothorax and pericarditis with effusion. A short interval before surgical intervention was not associated with lower postoperative mortality.