Edema pulmonar por reexpansión. Reporte de Caso / Pulmonary edema due to re-expansion. Case Report

Introducción. El edema pulmonar por reexpansión es una complicación poco frecuente, secundaria a una rápida reexpansión pulmonar posterior al drenaje por toracentesis o toracostomía cerrada. Al día de hoy, se ha descrito una incidencia menor al 1 % tras toracostomía cerrada, con mayor prevalencia en la segunda y tercera década de la vida. Su mecanismo fisiopatológico exacto es desconocido; se ha planteado un proceso multifactorial de daño intersticial pulmonar asociado con un desequilibrio de las fuerzas hidrostáticas. Caso clínico. Presentamos el caso de un paciente que desarrolló edema pulmonar por reexpansión posterior a toracostomía cerrada. Se hizo una revisión de la literatura sobre esta complicación. Resultados. Aunque la clínica sugiere el diagnóstico, la secuencia de imágenes desempeña un papel fundamental. En la mayoría de los casos suele ser autolimitado, por lo que su manejo es principalmente de soporte; sin embargo, se han reportado tasas de mortalidad que alcanzan hasta el 20 %, por tanto, es importante conocer los factores de riesgo y las medidas preventivas. Conclusión. El edema pulmonar de reexpansión posterior a toracostomía es una complicación rara en los casos con neumotórax, aunque es una complicación que se puede presentar en la práctica diaria, por lo cual debe tenerse en mente para poder hacer el diagnóstico y un manejo adecuado.

Introduction. Re-expansion pulmonary edema is a rare complication secondary to rapid pulmonary re-expansion after drainage by thoracentesis and/or closed thoracostomy. As of today, an incidence of less than 1% has been described after closed thoracostomy, with a higher prevalence in the second and third decades of life. Its exact pathophysiological mechanism is unknown; a multifactorial process of lung interstitial damage associated with an imbalance of hydrostatic forces has been proposed. Clinical case. We present the case of a patient who developed pulmonary edema due to re-expansion after closed thoracostomy, conducting a review of the literature on this complication. Results. Although the clinic suggests the diagnosis, the sequence of images plays a fundamental role. In most cases, it tends to be a self-limited disease, so its management is mainly supportive. However, mortality rates of up to 20% have been recorded. Therefore, it is important to identify patients with major risk factors and initiate preventive measures in these patients. Conclusions. Re-expansion pulmonary edema after thoracostomy is a rare complication in cases with pneumothorax; however, it is a complication that can occur in daily practice. Therefore, it must be kept in mind to be able to make the diagnosis and an adequate management.

Manejo conservador del neumotórax oculto en trauma

Introducción: El neumotórax oculto (NTXO) se encuentra hasta en el 15% de los traumatismos torácicos. Existen antecedentes del manejo conservador de esta patología (sólo observación), aunque su práctica continúa siendo discutida, especialmente, en traumatismos penetrantes. El objetivo de este trabajo es describir nuestra experiencia en el manejo conservador del NTXO. Materiales y Método: Estudio de cohorte retrospectivo realizado durante un período de 3 años en un Hospital de Trauma nivel I. Se incluyeron pacientes con traumatismo torácico (cerrado o penetrante) con NTXO. Se dividieron en dos grupos (conservados o drenados), realizándose una comparación de su evolución. Resultados: En 3 años fueron admitidos con traumatismo torácico 679 pacientes. De 93 pacientes con NTXO, 74 (80%) fueron conservados inicialmente y 19 (20%) tratados con drenaje pleural. Dos (3%) presentaron progresión del neumotórax en el seguimiento radiológico (conservación fallida). No se registraron complicaciones relacionadas con la ausencia de drenaje pleural. Las complicaciones y estancia hospitalaria fueron menores en el grupo de manejo conservador. Conclusión: Pacientes con NTXO por traumatismo de tórax (cerrado o penetrante), sin requerimiento de ventilación asistida y hemodinámicamente estables, pueden manejarse de manera conservadora con un monitoreo cercano durante 24 horas en forma segura, con menor tasa de complicaciones y de estancia hospitalaria.

Background: Occult pneumothorax (OPTX) is found in up to 15% of chest injuries. There is a history of conservative management of this pathology (only observation), although its practice continues to be discussed, especially in penetrating trauma. The objective of this paper is to describe our experience in the conservative management of OPTX. Materials and Method: Retrospective cohort study conducted over a 3-year period at a level I Trauma Center. Patients with thoracic trauma (blunt or penetrating) with OPTX were included. They were divided into two groups (preserved or drained) comparing their evolution. Results: Over a 3-year period 679 patients were admitted with chest trauma. From 93 patients with OPTX, 74 (80%) were initially preserved and 19 (20%) drained. Two patients (3%) presented pneumothorax progression in the follow-up imaging. There were no complications related to the absence of pleural drainage. Complications and hospital stay were lower in the conservative management group. Conclusion: Patients with OPTX due to chest trauma (blunt or penetrating), without requiring assisted ventilation and hemodynamically stable, can be safely conservative managed with close monitoring for 24 hours, with a lower rate of complications and hospital stay.

Endometriosis pleuropulmonar y neumotórax catamenial asociado: reporte de caso / Pleuropulmonary endometriosis and associated catamenial pneumothorax:A case report

Resumen ANTECEDENTES: El tórax es la localización extrapélvica más frecuente de la endometriosis; esto sin que su incidencia se haya determinado con estudios suficientes. Tampoco se ha establecido del todo su fisiopatología, pero aun así se han planteado diversas teorías. El neumotórax catamenial es una de las posibles manifestaciones que hacen complejo establecer el diagnóstico e indicar un tratamiento. CASO CLÍNICO: Paciente de 31 años, con antecedente de neumotórax espontáneo a repetición, que acudió a consulta debido a disnea y dolor torácico de un mes de evolución. La radiografía de tórax evidenció el neumotórax del 50% en la parte derecha y la necesidad de la toracostomía. Puesto que los episodios de neumotórax ocurrían en fase catamenial, pero sin poder establecer una causa clara del cuadro clínico, se procedió a la toracoscopia diagnóstica con toma de muestra para estudio histopatológico. Durante el procedimiento se detectaron múltiples lesiones pseudonodulares, de aspecto inflamatorio crónico a nivel pleural y del parénquima pulmonar. El reporte histopatológico fue compatible con endometriosis pleuropulmonar; se le indicó terapia hormonal. Ante la evolución clínica satisfactoria y posoperatorio sin complicaciones la paciente fue dada de alta del hospital. CONCLUSIÓN: El neumotórax catamenial, como consecuencia de una endometriosis pleuropulmonar, es un diagnóstico realmente excepcional y su sospecha debe vincularse con el ciclo menstrual. La atención médica de las pacientes con este diagnóstico debe ser interdisciplinaria, no solo por las estrategias diagnósticas sino por la complejidad del tratamiento y su seguimiento. El tratamiento de elección suele requerir intervenciones quirúrgicas, sumadas a la indicación de la medicación hormonal para prevenir recurrencias, con tasas de éxito favorables. Están pendientes los estudios que establezcan la respuesta del tejido endometrial ectópico torácico al tratamiento médico.

Abstract BACKGROUND: The thorax is the most frequent extrapelvic location of endometriosis, although its incidence has not been sufficiently studied. Its pathophysiology has not been fully established, but several theories have been put forward. Catamenial pneumothorax is one of the possible manifestations that make it difficult to establish the diagnosis and indicate treatment. CLINICAL CASE: A 31-year-old female patient, with a history of repeated spontaneous pneumothorax, presented for consultation due to dyspnea and chest pain of one month of evolution. Chest X-ray showed a 50% pneumothorax on the right side and the need for thoracostomy. Since the episodes of pneumothorax occurred in catamenial phase, but without being able to establish a clear cause of the clinical picture, diagnostic thoracoscopy with sampling for histopathological study was performed. During the procedure multiple pseudonodular lesions of chronic inflammatory aspect were detected at pleural and lung parenchyma level. The histopathological report was compatible with pleuropulmonary endometriosis; hormonal therapy was indicated. Given the satisfactory clinical evolution and postoperative course without complications, the patient was discharged from the hospital. CONCLUSION: Catamenial pneumothorax, as a consequence of pleuropulmonary endometriosis, is a truly exceptional diagnosis and its suspicion should be linked to the menstrual cycle. The medical care of patients with this diagnosis should be interdisciplinary, not only because of the diagnostic strategies but also because of the complexity of the treatment and its follow-up. The treatment of choice usually requires surgical interventions, added to the indication of hormonal medication to prevent recurrences, with favorable success rates. Studies establishing the response of thoracic ectopic endometrial tissue to medical treatment are pending.

Tube Thoracostomy Surgery among COVID-19 Positive Patients in a Tertiary Care Hospital in Bangladesh

Background: Acute respiratory distress syndrome requiring invasive mechanical ventilation may occur in COVID-19 patients. Barotrauma causes clinically severe pneumothorax, necessitating a chest tube thoracostomy. Acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 is aerosolized during the process, hence specific precautions must be taken to minimize exposure risks to health care workers. Objectives: The objective of the study to diagnosis of Tube thoracostomy during the COVID-19 pandemic to detect and diagnose patients who are positive with the virus.Material & Methods:In Bangladesh, researchers from a tertiary care hospital抯 thoracic surgery section did a retrospective analysis. In total, we had 34 participants. All COVID-19 cases requiring thoracic surgery consultation and management that were admitted to the ICU between July 2020 and January 2022 were included in this study. Iatrogenic pneumothorax and other critical cases not associated with COVID-19 were also eliminated.Results:Thirty-four individuals sought thoracic surgery consultation. Pneumothorax (29.4%), traumatic hemothorax (8.8%), hydropneumothorax (5.9%) and extensive pleural effusion were the causes (55.9%). No post-thoracostomy complications. 6 patients died 3 days after tube thoracostomy who were on artificial breathing and both had more than 81 percent lung involvement (fibrosis) confirmed by CT scan of chest. Surviving patients with thoracostomy tube insertion had better survival than those treated conservatively.Conclusions:In COVID-19 disease, non-iatrogenic pneumothorax, subcutaneous and mediastinal emphysema are associated with worse prognosis and outcomes. Pneumothorax may have a better prognosis and outcome than surgical and mediastinal emphysema.

Predictors of pleural complications in trauma patients undergoing tube thoracostomy: A prospective observational study / Fatores preditivos de complicações pleurais em vítimas de trauma submetidas à drenagem pleural: Estudo prospectivo observacional

ABSTRACT Objective: to identify variables related to pleural complications in patients undergoing tube thoracostomies due to traumatic injuries. Method: we conducted a prospective observational study from May/2019 to January/2021 including adult trauma patients submitted to tube thoracostomies after hospital admission. Patients undergoing thoracotomies as the initial treatment were not included. We excluded patients with suspected and confirmed COVID-19 diagnosis during the hospitalization. Pleural complications were defined as clotted hemothorax, residual pneumothorax and empyema. Students t, Mann Whitneys, Chi square and Fishers exact test were used to compare variables between groups. We considered p<0.05 as significant. Results: we analyzed 68 patients. The mean age was 36.0 + 12.6 years and 91.2% were male. The mean RTS and ISS were, respectively, 7.0 ± 1.6 and 15.9 ± 7.6. The most frequent trauma mechanism was stab wounds in 50.0%, followed by blunt trauma in 38.2%. The severity of thoracic injuries was stratified (AIS) as 2 (4.4%), 3 (80.9%), 4 (13.2%), e 5 (1.5%). Pleural complications happened in 14 (20.5%) patients, being clotted / residual hemothorax (11.8%), residual pneumothorax (4.4%), empyema (2.9%) and miscellaneous (1.4%). These patients were treated by thoracoscopy (5), thoracotomy (3), chest re-drainage (3) and clinical measures alone (3). There was a significant association between pleural complications with the time of permanence (p<0,001) and the necessity of relocation (p<0,001) of the drain. Conclusion: the predictors of pleural complications in this series were time of permanence and the necessity of relocation of the drain.

RESUMO Objetivo: identificar as variáveis relacionadas às complicações pleurais em vítimas de trauma submetidas a drenagem torácica. Método: estudo observacional prospectivo entre maio/2019 e janeiro/2021, incluindo adultos submetidos a drenagem torácica após a admissão hospitalar para tratamento de lesões traumáticas. Pacientes que desenvolveram COVID19 foram excluídos. As complicações pleurais foram caracterizadas como: pneumotórax residual, hemotórax residual / coagulado e empiema pleural. Comparamos as variáveis coletadas entre os grupos de pacientes com e sem estas complicações. Os testes t de Student, Mann Whitney, Chi quadrado e Fisher foram utilizados para análise estatística. Foram considerados significativos valores de p<0,05. Resultados: analisamos 68 casos, com média etária de 36,0 + 12,6 anos, de RTS de 7,0 ± 1,6 e ISS de 15,9 ± 7,6, sendo 62 (91,2%) do sexo masculino. Trinta e quatro pacientes (50,0%) foram vítimas de ferimento por arma branca. O AIS das lesões torácicas foi classificado como 2 (4,4%), 3 (80,9%), 4 (13,2%), e 5 (1,5%). As complicações pleurais ocorreram em 14 casos (20,5%), sendo hemotórax residual / coagulado em 8 casos (11,8%), pneumotórax residual em 3 (4,4%), o empiema pleural em 2 (2,9%) e associações em 1 (1,4%). Estas complicações foram tratadas por videotoracoscopia (5 casos), toracotomia (3), redrenagem de tórax (3) e medidas clínicas apenas (3). A redrenagem de tórax (p<0,001) e o tempo de permanência do dreno (p<0,001) tiveram relação significativa com a presença de complicações pleurais. Conclusão: a redrenagem do tórax e o maior tempo de permanência do dreno foram associados às complicações pleurais.

Vertebrectomia total e estabilização com pinos e polimetilmetacrilato como tratamento para luxação entre vértebras torácicas em cão ­ relato de caso / Total vertebrectomy and stabilization with pins and polymethylmethacrylate as treatment for thoracic vertebral luxation in a dog - case report

As lesões decorrentes de atropelamento são as principais causas de fraturas e luxações vertebrais, ocasionando graus variáveis de injúrias vertebrais e medulares. O presente trabalho tem como objetivo relatar a ocorrência de lesão traumática em coluna vertebral de cão sem raça definida, com quatro anos de idade, resultando em luxação T11-12, com exposição de T11 e secção medular, estando o paciente paraplégico, com sinais de lesão em neurônio motor superior e ausência de nocicepção profunda em membros pélvicos. O tratamento de escolha foi a vertebrectomia de T11, associada ao alinhamento de T10-12 com introdução de pinos e fixação com polimetilmetacrilato (PMMA) associado à ceftriaxona. Em decorrência de lesão na pleura parietal no trans-cirúrgico, optou-se pela toracostomia para introdução de tubo torácico, o qual permaneceu no paciente por quatro dias. No pós-operatório, o paciente apresentou recuperação satisfatória, sendo recomendado aos tutores a confecção de cadeira de rodas a fim de facilitar sua locomoção. A técnica mostrou-se satisfatória para minimizar as infecções passíveis de ocorrência em fraturas expostas, bem como melhorar a qualidade de vida do paciente, evitando-se dores crônicas.

Injuries resulting from being run over are the leading causes of vertebral fractures and dislocations, causing varying vertebral and spinal injuries. The present study aims to report the occurrence of traumatic injury to the spine of a mixed breed dog, aged four years, resulting in a T11-12 dislocation, with T11 exposure and spinal section, with the patient showing paraplegia, signs of an upper motor neuron lesion and absence of deep nociception in pelvic limbs. The treatment of choice was T11 vertebrectomy, associated with the alignment of T10-12 with the introduction of pins and fixation with polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) associated with ceftriaxone. Due to a lesion in the parietal pleura during the surgery, thoracostomy was chosen to introduce a chest tube, which remained in the patient for four days. In the postoperative period, the patient presented a satisfactory recovery, and it was recommended that tutors make a wheelchair to facilitate their mobility. The technique proved to be satisfactory for minimizing infections that could occur in open fractures and improving the patient's quality of life, avoiding chronic pain.

Challenging chest drainage: a case report / Drenaje torácico desafiante: reporte de un caso

Introduction. Chest trauma is one of the most common causes of death corresponding to 20 to 25 % of cases. The majority of the patients (85%), can be managed with only a tube thoracostomy. Our objective by presenting this case report is to provide an example of how to manage a challenging chest tube thoracostomy in a patient with cardiac hernia diagnosed in the preoperative phase, based on signs of computed tomography. Case report. A 45-year-old male presented to our emergency department who fell from a light pole 7 meters high. He fell to the ground on his back. Physical examination revealed a huge subcutaneous emphysema on his entire anterior chest wall and presented no sensitivity or movements below the navel line. After the initial assessment and management care, the patient improved. As the patient stabilized we decided to go to CT. The scan revealed pericardial rupture with only the right pericardial circumference intact, the heart herniated into the left pleural space, bilateral pneumothorax, small right hemothorax and a relevant subcutaneous emphysema surrounding the chest. We decided to perform the blunt dissection technique to insert chest tubes bilaterally because of safety. After performed it the patient was transferred to cardiothoracic department. Discussion. There is a variety of techniques to perform tube thoracostomy but the blunt dissection remain the safer, especially when we are facing an anatomic distortion of the heart. Conclusion. We present a case report of a challenging thoracic drainage performed in a patient with traumatic cardiac hernia, which procedure was successful

Introducción. El traumatismo torácico es una de las causas más comunes de muerte y corresponde al 20 a 25 % de los casos. La mayoría de los pacientes (85 %) pueden tratarse solo con toracostomía. Nuestro objetivo al presentar este informe de caso es proporcionar un ejemplo de cómo manejar una toracostomía desafiante en un paciente con hernia cardíaca, diagnosticada en la fase preoperatoria, basada en signos de tomografía computarizada. Presentación del caso. Paciente masculino de 45 años que ingresa a nuestro departamento de emergencias luego de caída de 7 metros de altura (poste de luz), cayendo de espaldas al suelo. El examen físico reveló un enfisema subcutáneo importante en todo el tórax anterior y sin sensibilidad ni movimientos debajo de la línea del ombligo. Después de la evaluación y atención inicial el paciente mejoró y se decidió realizar una tomografía computarizada que reveló la rotura pericárdica, con solo la circunferencia pericárdica derecha intacta, el corazón herniado en el espacio pleural izquierdo, neumotórax bilateral, pequeño hemotórax en el lado derecho y enfisema subcutáneo rodeando completamente el tórax. Se escogió una técnica de disección roma para insertar el tubo torácico en ambos hemitórax, debido a su mayor seguridad. Posteriormente, el paciente fue trasladado al departamento de cirugía cardiotorácica. Discusión. Existe una variedad de técnicas para realizar una toracostomía con sonda, pero la disección roma sigue siendo la más segura, especialmente cuando enfrentamos una distorsión anatómica del corazón. Conclusión. Presentamos el caso de un drenaje torácico desafiante practicado a un paciente con hernia cardíaca traumática, con éxito.

Toracostomía cerrada bajo sedación en el servicio de urgencias / Thoracostomy under sedation in the emergency service

El trauma es uno de los principales retos en cuanto a salud pública mundial se trata. Según la OMS, causa alrededor de cinco millones de muertes al año, siendo el trauma de tórax uno de los más frecuentes, reportándose hasta 90-96% de lesiones penetrantes con una mortalidad cercana al 30%. La toracotomía es un procedimiento frecuentemente realizado en el servicio de urgencias, pero es una técnica dolorosa e incómoda que puede generar dificultades a la hora de su realización. Se requiere encontrar la información disponible acerca de la seguridad en la intervención bajo sedación y determinar su utilidad en el servicio de urgencias, así como conocer los niveles de sedación para poder realizar las diferentes técnicas y evaluar según el procedimiento a realizar a qué nivel se debe llevar el paciente. La utilización de fármacos para analgesia y sedación en este servicio tiene por objetivo el control efectivo y seguro del dolor, control de la ansiedad, para evitar movimientos del paciente, buscando disminuir las posibles complicaciones. En esta revisión se estudian medicamentos como ketamina, propofol, morfina, hidromorfona, fentanilo, etomidato y midazolam, así como sus posibles combinaciones para implementarlos en el proceso de sedación en la toracostomía de urgencia. No hay una estrategia terapéutica aplicable a todos los pacientes por lo que cada una de ellas debe individualizarse..Au

Trauma constitutes one of the main challenges in terms of public health in the world. According to the WHO, it causes about five million deaths per year, chest trauma is one of the most frequently occurring injuries, reporting up to 90-96% of penetrating injuries with mortality close to 30%. Thoracostomy is a procedure frequently performed in the emergency department, however, it is a painful and uncomfortable procedure, and there could be difficulties while it is done. It is required to find the available information about how safe a thoracostomy is under sedation is and determine its usefulness in the emergency department; learning the levels of sedation, and depending of the procedure the patient needs, determine the level of sedation the patient has to induced into. The use of medications for analgesia and sedation in the emergency room is aimed to the effective and safe control of pain and anxiety as well as to avoid movements of the patient to reduce complications. This review considers medications such as ketamine, propofol, morphine, hydromorphone, fentanyl, etomidate, midazolam and the best combinations of these medications to carry out sedation for emergency thoracostomy. However, there is not a therapeutic strategy applicable to all patients, therefore each patient has to be analyzed individually..Au

Toracostomía abierta: en ocasiones la mejor opción / Open thoracostomy: Sometimes the best option

El tratamiento quirúrgico del empiema ha evolucionado, desde la medicina hipocrática, a través de los años, teniendo como premisa el drenaje. Con los avances médicos, el abordaje mínimamente invasivo se ha convertido en el estándar, dejando de lado otras técnicas quirúrgicas. La toracostomía abierta, en pacientes seleccionados, puede llegar a ser la última y mejor opción para el control del foco infeccioso: es una opción quirúrgica para el tratamiento de los empiemas en pacientes mórbidos y en fase de organización, cuando otros tratamientos han fallado, con una aceptable morbilidad y mortalidad. Esta técnica debe estar en el arsenal terapéutico del cirujano. Presentamos una serie de 4 casos de pacientes con empiema en fase de organización, en los cuales el riesgo quirúrgico era muy alto, por lo que se optó por realizar una toracostomía abierta, con éxito

The surgical treatment of empyema has evolved from Hippocratic medicine over the years, with drainage as its premise. With medical advances, the minimally invasive approach has become the standard, leaving aside other surgical techniques. Open thoracostomy, in selected patients, may become the last and best option for the control of the infectious focus: it is a surgical option for the treatment of empyemas in morbid patients and in the organization phase when other treatments have failed, with an acceptable morbidity and mortality. This technique should be in the surgeon's therapeutic arsenal. We present a series of four cases of patients with empyema in the organization phase, in which the surgical risk was very high, so it was decided to perform an open thoracostomy, which turn out successful

Is routine chest radiography necessary after ultrasonography-guided catheter thoracostomy?

INTRODUCTION@#Many institutions still perform routine chest radiography (CXR) after tube thoracostomies despite current guidelines suggesting that this is not necessary for simple cases. We aimed to evaluate the usefulness of routine CXR following ultrasonography-guided catheter thoracostomies for the detection of complications of symptomatic pleural effusions in hospitalised patients.@*METHODS@#This was a retrospective review of 2,032 ultrasonography-guided thoracostomies on hospitalised patients with symptomatic effusions at a single institution from April 2012 to May 2015. The aetiology of effusions was not systemically registered, but patient demographics, procedural details and clinical outcomes were collected. Data was analysed using descriptive statistics and chi-square test. Generalised estimating equation analysis was performed to assess the relationship between CXR findings and complications while controlling for age.@*RESULTS@#Out of 2,032 CXRs, 92.96% (n = 1,889) were normal, 5.81% (n = 118) showed pneumothorax and 1.23% (n = 25) showed catheter kinking. 99 pneumothoraces and 24 kinked catheters were detected in the first hour post procedure. 97.40% (n = 115) of patients with pneumothorax were stable or had minor complications, such as a vasovagal event. 0.20% (n = 4) of the cases had a serious complication following chest drain insertion, resulting in cardiovascular collapse. There was no significant relationship between CXR results and occurrence of complications (p = 0.244). Amount of fluid drained or side of insertion did not affect the clinical outcome.@*CONCLUSION@#Routine use of CXR after tube thoracostomy did not significantly change patient management, which was concordant with recent guidelines. Instead, adverse clinical outcomes or procedural factors should guide investigations.

Clinical study of patients with trauma to the chest in a tertiary care centre

Background: Chest trauma is one of the serious injuries and also one of the leading causes of death from physical trauma. Current study is designed to study clinical profile, pattern of injuries, complications and treatment modality required in chest trauma management.Methods: A prospective observational study was conducted in Shri Vasantrao Naik Government Medical College, a tertiary care hospital in Yavatmal, Maharashtra, India in 246 patients primarily admitted for chest trauma from 1st March 2018 to 31st August 2019.  All cases were managed in emergency department with history noted, clinical examination performed and initial management done as per ATLS guidelines. Definitive management done according to clinical and radiological investigations. Final outcome (death/discharge) was noted with discharged patients were followed until normal activity regained.Results: Male of 3rd-4th decade constituted most vulnerable group, with mean age of 38.56 years and male:female ratio of 5.31:1. Road traffic accident (RTA) was the commonest cause (71.14%), followed by assault (11.79%) and accidental fall (11.38%). Blunt force was the most common mechanism (93.09%).  Rib fracture was present in 26.83%, lung contusion in 8.13% patients, followed by haemothorax (7.32%), hemopneumothorax (5.70%) and pneumothorax (3.25%). Conservative management suffices in most cases (86.59%), tube thoracostomy in 12.19%, thoracotomy in 1.22% cases. Patients with VAS score of 6 and above required intercostal nerve block (5.31%) or epidural analgesia (2.45%) for satisfactory pain relief. Pneumonia and atelectasis were common complications 2.03% each. Mortality rate was 1.22%. Average length of hospital stay was 4.6 days.Conclusions: Chest trauma commonly affects young males with RTA causing significant morbidity and mortality. Majority of patients can be treated conservatively.

Empiema Necessitatis: reporte de un caso / Empyema Necessitatis: case report / Empiema Necessitatis: reporte de um caso

La formación de un absceso que se inicia en el espacio pleural y se extiende hacia los tejidos adyacentes se conoce como Empiema Necessitatis, es una complicación rara, más aún si es secundaria a traumatismo. El tratamiento temprano es vital y consiste en drenaje del empiema asociado a antibiótico de amplio espectro, hasta obtener cultivos del agente etiológico, con Mycobacterium tuberculosis como etiología más común. A continuación, reportamos el caso de un paciente de 47 años sin antecedentes de importancia, que ingresa inicialmente por politrauma por caída de altura, manejado de forma conservadora. Reingresa 15 días después por fiebre y aparición de masa en torácica. Se confirma, mediante tomografía de tórax contrastada, fistulización de una colección hacia tejidos blandos, por lo que se inicia manejo antibiótico y quirúrgico. Se aisló Staphylococcus aureus sensible. El paciente mejora y egresa para seguir manejo ambulatorio.

The Formation of an abscess in the pleural space that spreads through the adjacent tissues is known as Empyema Necessitatis, which is a rare complication, even more if it is secondary to trauma. An early management is vital and consists of a surgical drainage of empyema associated with broad-spectrum antibiotics until the etiologic agent is identified. Mycobacterium tuberculosis is the most common etiology found. The article presents a report on a medical case of a 47 year-old patient without a significant personal medical history, who was initially admitted for polytrauma due to a fall from his own height. The trauma was treated in a conventional way. After 15 days, is admitted again with fever and a new mass in the wall chest. A CT tomography showed a pus fistulation from the pleural space through the soft tissues of the chest. A drainage was performed and broad-spectrum antibiotics were given until sensitive Staphylococcus aureus was identified. Finally, the patient got better and continued ambulatory management.

A formação de um abscesso que se inicia no espaço pleural e se estende aos tecidos adjacentes se conhece como Empiema Necessitatis, é uma complicação rara, mas ainda assim é secundária ao traumatismo. O tratamento precoce é vital e consiste em drenagem do empiema associado a antibiótico de amplo espectro, até obter cultivos do agente etiológico, com Mycobacterium tuberculosis como etiologia mais comum. A continuação, reportamos o caso de um paciente de 47 anos sem antecedentes de importância, que ingressa inicialmente por politrauma por queda de altura, manejado de forma conservadora. Reingressa 15 dias depois por febre e aparecimento de massa em torácica. Se confirma, mediante tomografia de tórax contrastada, fistulização de uma coleção aos tecidos moles, pelo que se inicia manejo antibiótico e cirúrgico. Se isolou Staphylococcus aureus sensível. O paciente melhora e egressa para seguir manejo ambulatório.

Drenaje percutáneo con catéter del neumotórax en pacientes con COVID­19 / Percutaneous catheter drainage of pneumothorax in patients with COVID-19

Introducción. La transmisión del SARS-CoV-2 principalmente se da por gotas y contacto cercano con las per-sonas infectadas, pero los aerosoles parecen ser también una fuente de infección. El neumotórax espontáneo o secundario puede presentarse en pacientes con COVID-19, ayudado por patologías de base como la enfermedad pulmonar obstructiva crónica. Es necesario garantizar procedimientos seguros para los pacientes y buscar todas las medidas posibles para la protección del personal de la salud, por eso el drenaje de neumotórax con catéter pleural en lugar de sonda de toracostomía puede ser una de ellas.El objetivo de este estudio es presentar a los cirujanos una alternativa a la toracostomía tradicional, mediante la utilización de catéteres de menor diámetro, para la resolución de la ocupación pleural.Aspectos Técnicos. Se presenta el protocolo para inserción segura de un catéter pleural para el drenaje de neumotórax, mediante un sistema completamente cerrado, y se dan recomendaciones sobre el uso de filtros virales y solución viricida en el sistema de drenaje pleural conectado al catéter. Conclusión. El estado de pandemia por COVID-19 y el riesgo que representa para los profesionales de la salud la exposición a fuentes de transmisión durante procedimientos generadores de aerosoles, hace que se deban extremar las medidas para evitar el contagio.

Introduction. The transmission of SARS-CoV-2 mainly occurs by drops and close contact with infected people, but aerosols also seem to be a source of infection. Spontaneous or secondary pneumothorax can occur in patients with COVID-19, helped by underlying pathologies such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. It is necessary to guarantee safe procedures for patients and to seek all possible measures for the protection of health personnel, so drainage of pneumothorax with a pleural catheter instead of a thoracostomy tube may be one of those. The objective of this study is to present surgeons with an alternative to traditional thoracostomy, using smaller diameter catheters, to resolve pleural occupancy.Technical aspects. The protocol for the safe insertion of a pleural catheter for pneumothorax drainage is presented, using a completely closed system, and recommendations are given on the use of viral filters and viricidal solution in the pleural drainage system connected to the catheter.Conclusions. The state of the COVID-19 pandemic and the risk that exposure to sources of transmission sources during aerosol-generating procedures represents for health professionals means that extreme measures must be taken to avoid contagion.

Safety model for chest drainage in pandemic by COVID-19 / Modelo de segurança para realização de drenagem torácica na pandemia pela COVID-19

ABSTRACT Over one million cases of the SARS-CoV-2 virus have been confirmed worldwide, with the death toll exceeding 50,000 people. An important issue to be addressed concerns the exposure of health professionals to this new virus. The first reports from Wuhan province, China, described infection rates of up to 29% among healthcare professionals before the use of personal protective equipment (PPE) was fully regulated. There are several protocols on the correct use of PPE during aerosol-generating procedures. However, there is no specific guidance on how to proceed in cases of need for chest tubes in patients with positive COVID-19 active air leak. The objective of this work is to assist surgeons of the most diverse specialties during the chest drainage of a patient with COVID-19 and to avoid a risk of contamination to the professional and the environment.

RESUMO Mais de um milhão de casos do vírus SARS-CoV-2 foram confirmados em todo o mundo, com o número de mortos ultrapassando 50.000 pessoas. Uma questão importante a ser abordada diz respeito à exposição dos profissionais de saúde à esse novo vírus. Os primeiros relatórios da província de Wuhan, na China, descreveram taxas de infecção de até 29% entre os profissionais de saúde antes que o uso de equipamentos de proteção pessoal (EPI) fosse totalmente regulamentado. Existem vários protocolos sobre o uso correto de EPI durante os procedimentos geradores de aerossóis. No entanto, não há orientação específica sobre como proceder em casos de necessidade de drenos torácicos em pacientes com vazamento de ar ativo COVID-19 positivos. O objetivo desse trabalho é auxiliar os cirurgiões das mais diversas especialidades durante a drenagem torácica de um paciente com COVID-19 e evitar um risco de contaminação ao profissional e no ambiente.

Pattern and management of penetrating and nonpenetrating thoracic injuries

Background: Chest trauma constitutes a major public health problem which  includes the injuries to chest wall, pleura, tracheobronchial tree, lungs, diaphragm, oesophagus, heart and great vessels. It consist of more than ten percent of all traumas and twenty five percent of death due to trauma occurs because of chest injury. Chest trauma is increasing in frequency in urban hospitals. Penetrating and nonpenetrating thoracic injuries the most serious injuries leading to significant morbidity and mortality.Methods: This study was prospective observational study of 220 patients of thoracic trauma both penetrating and non-penetrating. These patients admitted in general surgical units from August 2017 to May 2018  of Pandit Bhagwat Dayal  Sharma,  PGIMS  Rohtak Haryana India. The study was pertaining to both penetrating  and non-penetrating chest trauma.Results: Out of 220 chest injury patients who were studied during the said period, Males were 203 and females 17 by a ratio of 12:1 and age ranged from lowest 18 years to 85 years of age. Majority of the patients (90.45%) sustained blunt injuries. RTA was the common mechanism of blunt injury affecting (50.45%) of patients. Multiple Rib fractures was the commonest type of chest injury (21.36%) followed by head injury (17.27%). Head injury was the commonest associated injury seen in our patients. Conclusions: Chest trauma resulting from road traffic accident remains a major mechanism of chest injury. The  measures to decrease the trauma are, educating people about traffic rules and regulations and strictly implementing them is necessary to reduce incidence of chest injuries.

A Comparison Between Conventional and Thoracoport Technique for Tube Thoracostomy in Pneumothorax

Background: Pneumothorax is a medical emergency wherethere is an abnormal collection of air in the pleural space. Afterconfirming the diagnosis chest tube is placed into the pleuralspace which allows the air or fluid to escape from the pleuralspace. Newer methods of tube thoracostomy using Seldingerand thoracoport techniques are replacing the conventionalmethod. The TP technique is said to be safer, faster whencompared to the conventional one.Aim: To compare the time required for the tube thoracostomyand whether tube thoracostomy can be performed by a singlemedical person without assistance. As well as complicationrates using both conventional and thoracoport techniques.Materials and Methods: Out of total 80patients, 40 patientsunderwent tube thoracostomy using thoracoport and remaining40 by conventional method randomly for pneumothorax.Results: Mean procedural time by conventional was highwhen compared to thoracoport technique. Need for assistanceand complications were high in conventional to thoracoportmethod.Conclusions: Tube thoracostomy using thoracoport has astatistical advantage over conventional technique in terms ofprocedural duration, need for assistance and complicationsand this method will definitely revolutionise the emergencymanagement of pneumothorax.

Retrospective Study of Surgical Treatment of Thoracic Empyema in Adults

Background: Pleural space infection is common and causessignificant morbidity and mortality up to 10%. The propermanagement of empyema remains controversial, and patientsare often seen by a physician after their purulent process hasalready reached the fibrinopurulent or chronic stage. Thesepatients are often subjected to multiple procedures and longhospitalization before the empyema is successfully treated.Most cases are treated initially using antibiotics with or withoutrepeated thoracentesis or chest tube insertion. Surgicalapproaches, such as video-assisted thoracic surgery (VATS) oropen thoracotomy and decortications, are usually reserved forpatients with deteriorated clinical condition following failedconservative treatment, which in turn increase the mortalityrate.Aims and Objective: The aim of our retrospective study is toevaluate our experience with thoracic empyema over a 36-month period with special attention to procedures used,success rate of each procedure and outcome.Materials & Methods: A retrospective chart analysis onpatients in whom thoracic empyema was diagnosed fromMarch 2016 to March 2018 at Civil hospital, BJ Medicalcollege, Ahmedabad, India. was performed. The definition ofempyema was selected as any pleural fluid that was grosslypurulent, and/or had a positive Gram stain or culture andempyema were classified by etiology and culture results.Charts were reviewed for patients age, symptoms, underlyingdisease, etiology of empyema, culture results, diagnosticmodalities, duration of hospitalization, therapeutic intervention,date of procedures, complications, mortality and long-termoutcome.Results and Conclusion: Empyema thoracis is a cause ofhigh mortality in man and its occurrence is increasing in bothchildren and adults. Two guidelines documents on themanagement of empyema in adults have been published bythe ACCP and the BTS. Although they differ in their approachto management, they agree on that the pleural space shouldbe drained in all patients with exudative PPE with pleural fluidpH < 7.2 and in those who have frank pus in the pleural space.Patients who do not improve should be referred to the surgeonfor further management. A large randomized multi-centre trialhas shown no survival advantage with the use of intrapleuralstreptokinase in patients with pleural infection and the use ofstreptokinase has not prevented surgery in the group ofpatients studied. However, streptokinase enhances infectedpleural fluid drainage and may still be used in patients whohave large collection of infected pleural collection causingventilatory impairment.

Profile of tuberculous pneumothorax and comparison with pulmonary tuberculosis without pneumothorax

Background: Tuberculosis is the most common cause of secondary spontaneous pneumothorax (SSP) in India. The prevalence of SSP in patients with pulmonary tuberculosis (PTB) is between 1- 3%. There were only few studies in the literature that specifically analyze tuberculous PNTX. In a study from this hospital, author found PTB was the most common cause of SSP. Now, author aimed at studying the clinical profile of tuberculosis associated PNTX cases and compared with pulmonary tuberculosis cases without PNTX.Methods: This was a single centre prospective observational case control study done at a tertiary care hospital. Fifty patients of tuberculous pneumothorax as cases, and 100 patients of pulmonary tuberculosis without pneumothorax were taken as control. The demographic data, clinical presentation, and radiologic presentation, outcomes after treatment were recorded in both the groups. The data was analyzed using statistical software (SPSS) using appropriate statistical tools.Results: The mean age of patients in the PNTX group was 38.18±14.132, where as in the control group it was 45.29±14.89 (p-value of 0.0052). Past history of tuberculosis was present in 27 (54%) cases of PNTX group and in 41 (41%) cases in the control group (p-value of 0.091). The mean duration of length of hospital stay in PNTX group was 16.5±11.865 days and in non-pneumothorax group was 6.2±2.54 days (p-value was 0.0001).Conclusions: Tuberculous pneumothorax was more common between 30-40 yrs age group. Gender and smoking have no association with PNTX. Tuberculous pneumothorax was more common in previously treated cases of TB. Patients with tuberculous PNTX have prolonged hospital stay and complications resulting in increased morbidity, financial burden and mortality.

A Prospective Randomized Trial Comparing Manual Needle Aspiration to Closed Thoracostomy as an Initial Treatment for the First Episode of Primary Spontaneous Pneumothorax / 대한흉부외과학회지

BACKGROUND: Variation exists in the initial treatment for the first episode of primary spontaneous pneumothorax (PSP), and no definitive consensus exists due to a lack of high-quality evidence. This study examined the outcomes of needle aspiration and closed thoracostomy in first episodes of PSP requiring intervention. METHODS: This study was a randomized, prospective, single-center trial conducted between December 2015 and August 2016. Patients of all ages with a documented first episode of PSP who were unilaterally affected, hemodynamically stable, and had a pneumothorax measuring over 25% in size were included. Patients with underlying lung disease, severe comorbidities, bilateral pneumothorax, tension pneumothorax, recurrent pneumothorax, traumatic pneumothorax, and pregnancy were excluded. Patients were randomly assigned to the needle aspiration or closed thoracostomy group using a random number table. RESULTS: Forty patients with a first episode of PSP were recruited, and 21 and 19 patients were included in the needle aspiration group and the closed thoracostomy group, respectively. The hospital stay of each group was 2.1±1.8 days and 5.4±3.6 days, respectively (p<0.01). However, no significant differences were found in the success rate of initial treatment or the 1-month and 1-year recurrence rates. CONCLUSION: Needle aspiration is a favorable initial treatment in patients experiencing a first episode of PSP.

Iatrogenic Tension Pneumothorax after Surgical Tracheostomy in a Child with Idiopathic Subglottic Stenosis: case report / 고신대학교의과대학학술지

Tracheostomy is increasingly performed in children for upper airway anomalies. Here, an 18-month-old child (height 84.1 cm, weight 12.5 kg) presented to the emergency department with dyspnea, stridor, and chest retraction. However, exploration of the airways using a bronchoscope failed due to subglottic stenosis. Therefore, a surgical tracheostomy was successfully performed with manual mask ventilation. However, pneumomediastinum was found in the postoperative chest radiograph. Although an oxygen saturation of 99% was initially maintained, oxygen saturation levels dropped, due to sudden dyspnea, after 3 hours. A chest radiograph taken at this time revealed a left tension pneumothorax and small right pneumothorax. Despite a needle thoracostomy, the pneumothorax was aggravated, and cardiac arrest occurred. Cardiopulmonary-cerebral resuscitation was performed, but the patient was declared dead 30 minutes later. This study highlights the fatal complications that can occur in children during tracheostomy. Therefore, close monitoring, immediate suspicion, recognition, and aggressive management may avoid fatal outcomes.