The ultrasound portable machine used in the Afghanistan: an international experience

Purpose: In hostile environment and battlefield US (ultrasound) portable machine and the application of EFAST (Extended Focused Assessment with Sonography for Trauma) have become useful and necessary diagnostic tools. The high sensibility and specificity of new US scanners to detect, in a patient with trauma both internal haemorragies and pneumothorax in a very early stage (before any clinical sign appears) let to a precise evaluation of patient condition and drive to appropriate surgical or conservative treatment. Material and methods: Italian and USA experience: From April to October 2008 in Afghanistan in a U…