Negative Pleural Suction for Tube Thoracostomy in Patients With Chest Trauma

Efficacy of Negative Pleural Suction in Tube Thoracostomy for Patients With Penetrating and/or Blunt Chest Trauma: a Randomized Clinical Trial

The purpose of this study is to determine whether the use of negative pleural suction in tube thoracostomy is more effective than water seal alone for the treatment of pneumothorax and/or hemothorax in patients with chest trauma.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Pneumothorax after penetrating o blunt chest trauma
• Hemothorax after penetrating o blunt chest trauma
• Hemopneumothorax after penetrating o blunt chest trauma
• Require tube thoracostomy

Exclusion Criteria:

• Invasive mechanical ventilation
• Emergent Surgery (thoracoscopy, open thoracotomy)
• Chronic pulmonary diseases (COPD, CRPD)
• Severe traumatic brain injury
• Glasgow coma scale upon arrival <8/15