AI Summary & Key Takeaways
AI InsightThe mean follow-up time of the patients with tube thoracostomywas 7.5±4.4 days.CONCLUSION: In intensive trauma centers, in particular, and in centers where procedures such as central venous catheterization anddiagnostic thoracentesis are frequently performed, it would be useful for EM physicians to undergo training in performing tube thoracostomy to a level where they are able to intervene in an emergency situation such as traumatic or iatrogenic pneumothorax.
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OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to determine the demographic and clinical characteristics of patients who underwent tube thoracostomy in the emergency department (ED). The secondary aim of the study was to evaluate parameters such as the diagnosis for whichthe patients underwent tube thoracostomy, the imaging techniques used during diagnosis, and complications related to the procedure.MATERIALS AND METHODS: This prospective study was conducted in the ED between June 1, 2015 and May 31, 2016. The studyincluded 125 patients aged >18 years, of both sexes, who presented to the ED during this period and who underwent tube thoracostomy.RESULTS: The patients comprised 91 (73%) males and 34 (27%) females. Of the 125 patients, 21 (17%) presented directly to the ED, 8(6%) were referred from a polyclinic, 82 (66%) were brought by ambulance, and 14 (11%) were referred from another center. Reasonsfor presentation were traumatic in 64 (51%) and non-traumatic in 61 (49%) patients. The leading diagnosis was pneumothorax in 98(78.4%) cases. The procedure of tube thoracostomy was performed by an emergency medicine (EM) resident for 26 (21%) cases and bya thoracic surgery resident for 99 (79%) cases. Complications were observed at the rate of 3.8% in the procedures performed by the EMresidents and at 4% in those performed by the thoracic surgery residents. The mean follow-up time of the patients with tube thoracostomywas 7.5±4.4 days.CONCLUSION: In intensive trauma centers, in particular, and in centers where procedures such as central venous catheterization anddiagnostic thoracentesis are frequently performed, it would be useful for EM physicians to undergo training in performing tube thoracostomy to a level where they are able to intervene in an emergency situation such as traumatic or iatrogenic pneumothorax.