ABSTRACT
To compare the outcome of VATS versus conventional thoracotomy in the early evacuation of posttraumatic clotted hemaothorax or retained pleural fluid in patients with chest trauma after failure of the initial management with tube thoracostomy. Between January 2001 and December 2005, fifty-four patients with posttraumatic clotted hemothorax or retained pleural fluid were included in this study. They were claimed to have clotted hemothorax or retained pleural fluid after 3 to 5 days posttruama by chest roentgenogram and chest CT. The patients were divided into 2 groups, group I [VATS group] and group II [thoracotomy group]. Group I patients [VATS group] included 23 patients, VATS was performed for evacuation of posttraumatic clotted hemaothorax or retained pleural fluid. Group II patients [thoracotomy group] included 31 patients; conventional thoracotomy was performed for management of posttraumatic clotted hemothorax. There was no statistical significant difference between the mean ages of both groups, as the mean age of the VATS group patients was 33 +/- 8 years, while it was 32.7 +/- 7 years for the thoracotomy group patients. The mean preoperative ICT period was [6 +/- 1.5 days VS 7 +/- 2 days respectively]. It was statistically non-significant There was statistical significant difference [P-value