Comparison of the tube thoracostomy techniques on treatment in COVID-19 patients with pneumothorax

Abstract

Aim: Tube thoracostomy is an interventional procedure in which there is a high risk for the spread of COVID-19. In this study, we compare the tube thoracostomy procedures performed early on in the pandemic and those performed later after steps were taken in accordance with the new recommendations. Material and Method: It is a retrospective and single-center study. COVID-19 patients with spontaneous pneumothorax with indications for tube thoracostomy presented to our emergency department between March 10, 2020, and March 31, 2021. Based on the applied tube techniques, two groups were defined; group 1, patients who underwent classical tube thoracostomy, group 2, patients who underwent tube thoracostomy with the recommended preventive measures for COVID-19. The collected data were compared between the two groups. Results: 106 patients met the study criteria and were included in the study. The difference in the length of the tube duration time between the old or new technique was statistically significant (p