A clinical study of hemothorax following blunt thoracic trauma

AUTHOR(s) : Bhattacharyya DK, Brahma RC
DOI No. : 10.31741/ijhrmlp.v5.i2.2019.15

ABSTRACT :
Hemothorax following blunt thoracic trauma is a common occurrence. Prompt diagnosis and proper treatment is the key to a good outcome. Materials and methods: This is a retrospective study carried out in Assam Medical College and Hospital over a period of two years from January 2017 to Dec 2018 to assess our management of hemothorax following blunt thoracic trauma. Hospital records of these patients were reviewed and analyzed. Results: Total of 118 patients were admitted during this period in Assam Medical College & Hospital with a diagnosis of hemothorax following blunt thoracic trauma. Male patients outnumbered female patients and road traffic accident was the main mechanism of blunt thoracic trauma. Chest pain was the main presenting symptom. 8(6.78%)patients with massive hemothorax were treated during the primary survey. 12(10.17%) patients with small-volume hemothorax were treated successfully by observation while observation failed in 3(2.54%) patients. 95(80.51%) patients with large hemothorax were treated by Tube thoracostomy drainage after radiological confirmation. Eleven (9.32%) patients developed clotted hemothorax and required thoracotomy. The mortality rate of the present series was 2.54%. Conclusion: Hemothorax occurs frequently following blunt thoracic trauma. The Majority of these patients can be managed successfully by tube thoracostomy drainage only.

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