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

ABSTRACT

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.