Polytrauma

The pattern of injury varies greatly depending on the cause of the accident. Head injuries, injuries to the lungs or abdominal organs as well as broken bones and soft tissue injuries are common. This can lead to health or life-threatening situations that require immediate treatment in a specialised and fully equipped emergency room. Centre such as the Surgical Paediatric Trauma Centre (CKTZ) at the UKBB required.

The symptoms vary greatly depending on the organ system affected. Common consequences of head injuries are unconsciousness, loss of feeling in the arms and legs or vomiting. If the chest is injured, the child may have difficulty breathing. If abdominal organs are injured, life-threatening haemorrhaging or kidney failure may occur. If the arms or legs are injured, bleeding can also occur, and in the case of compartment syndrome or open injuries, there is a risk of infection of bones or soft tissue.

Severely injured children and adolescents are first cared for in the shock room by an interdisciplinary team of doctors and nurses. All necessary circulatory stabilisation measures are carried out immediately. In addition, blood and urine are analysed, ultrasound and X-ray examinations and, if necessary, computer or magnetic resonance imaging are carried out.

If there are no injuries that require emergency surgery, your child will be admitted to the intensive care unit and stabilised. The measures then include, for example, the administration of pain medication or medication to support blood pressure, blood transfusions and possibly also mechanical ventilation.

You will be closely monitored by our care team. The doctors will also keep you regularly informed about the status of your child's treatment.

In the case of serious injuries, a longer hospitalisation of several weeks is possible. Of course, you can be with your child around the clock. If you or your family need support during this long and stressful time, our social services are at your disposal.

After acute treatment of serious injuries, rehabilitation may be necessary. This can be carried out as part of an early rehabilitation programme at UKBB or at the Children's Rehabilitation Centre in Affoltern am Albis.

The prognosis of polytraumatised patients is largely dependent on the injury pattern. It is not possible to make a general statement. Our medical team will keep you closely informed about the progress of treatment and the individual prognosis.