Abstract
Pneumothorax can be a complication following chest drain removal. In thoracic surgery, access to the pleural cavity involves a pleurotomy. A chest drain is inserted to allow re-expansion of the lungs post-pleurotomy. This also prevents a tension pneumothorax. Some patients have a residual pneumothorax post-chest drain removal noted on chest radiography. Rates of pneumothorax post chest drain removal vary with figures quoted at 9.3-13.6%. The majority of these are barely perceptible or small (<1 cm from pleural line to the apex of the hemithorax). Is it safe to discharge these patients home?
Highlights
Background/Introduction Pneumothorax can be a complication following chest drain removal
Some patients have a residual pneumothorax post-chest drain removal noted on chest radiography
Rates of pneumothorax post chest drain removal vary with figures quoted at 9.3-13.6%
Summary
Background/Introduction Pneumothorax can be a complication following chest drain removal. Can we send patients with small pneumothorax post drain removal home? Sanjeet SA Singh*, Karim Morcos, Alan JB Kirk From World Society of Cardiothoracic Surgeons 25th Anniversary Congress, Edinburgh Edinburgh, UK. Access to the pleural cavity involves a pleurotomy.
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