ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: The standard for managing traumatic pneumothorax (PTX), hemothorax (HTX), and hemopneumothorax (HPTX) has historically been large-bore (LB) chest tubes (>20-Fr). Previous studies have shown equal efficacy of small-bore (SB) chest tubes (≤19-Fr) in draining PTX and HTX/HPTX. This study aimed to evaluate provider practice patterns, treatment efficacy, and complications related to the selection of chest tube sizes for patients with thoracic trauma. METHODS: A retrospective chart review was performed on adult patients who underwent tube thoracostomy for traumatic PTX, HTX, or HPTX at a Level 1 Trauma Center from January 2016 to December 2021. Comparison was made between SB and LB thoracostomy tubes. The primary outcome was indication for chest tube placement based on injury pattern. Secondary outcomes included retained hemothorax, insertion-related complications, and duration of chest tube placement. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed. RESULTS: Three hundred and forty-one patients were included and 297 (87.1%) received LB tubes. No significant differences were found between the groups concerning tube failure and insertion-related complications. LB tubes were more frequently placed in patients with penetrating MOI, higher average ISS, and higher average thoracic AIS. Patients who received LB chest tubes experienced a higher incidence of retained HTX. DISCUSSION: In patients with thoracic trauma, both SB and LB chest tubes may be used for treatment. SB tubes are typically placed in nonemergent situations, and there is apparent provider bias for LB tubes. A future randomized clinical trial is needed to provide additional data on the usage of SB tubes in emergent situations.
Subject(s)
Chest Tubes , Hemothorax , Pneumothorax , Thoracic Injuries , Thoracostomy , Humans , Chest Tubes/adverse effects , Retrospective Studies , Thoracic Injuries/therapy , Thoracic Injuries/complications , Male , Female , Hemothorax/etiology , Hemothorax/therapy , Adult , Thoracostomy/instrumentation , Pneumothorax/therapy , Pneumothorax/etiology , Treatment Outcome , Middle Aged , Hemopneumothorax/etiology , Hemopneumothorax/therapy , Practice Patterns, Physicians'/statistics & numerical dataABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: The management of major liver trauma continues to evolve in trauma centers across the US with increasing use of minimally invasive techniques. Data on the outcomes of these procedures remain minimal. The objective of this study was to evaluate patient complications after perioperative hepatic angioembolization as an adjunct to management of major operative liver trauma. STUDY DESIGN: A retrospective multi-institutional study was performed at 13 level 1 and level 2 trauma centers from 2012 to 2021. Adult patients with major liver trauma (grade 3 and higher) requiring operative management were enrolled. Patients were divided into 2 groups: angioembolization (AE) and no angioembolization (NO AE). Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed. RESULTS: A total of 442 patients were included with AE performed in 20.4% (n = 90 of 442) of patients. The AE group was associated with higher rates of biloma formation (p = 0.0007), intra-abdominal abscess (p = 0.04), pneumonia (p = 0.006), deep vein thrombosis (p = 0.0004), acute renal failure (p = 0.004), and acute respiratory distress syndrome (p = 0.0003), and it had longer ICU and hospital length of stay (p < 0.0001). On multivariate analysis, the AE had a significantly higher amount intra-abdominal abscess formation (odds ratio 1.9, 95% CI 1.01 to 3.6, p = 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: This is one of the first multicenter studies comparing AE in specifically operative high-grade liver injuries and found that patients with liver injury that undergo AE in addition to surgery have higher rates of both intra- and extra-abdominal complications. This provides important information that can guide clinical management.
