Raheel Hussain, Saleem Khan.
Thoracotomy without chest drain.
J Surg Pak Jan ;11(2):59-61.

Objective: To evaluate the outcome of thoracotomy without chest drain. Design: Quasi experimental Place and Duration: of Study: From January 1999 to April 2004 in private Hospital Patient and Methods: Results: This is a retrospective study, performed at hospital over a period of 4 years from January1999 till April 2004. All performed without chest intubation and the results were evaluated in the early and late post operative phases. All thoracotomies done with placement of chest tube were excluded. Out of 189 thoracotomies performed over a period of 4 years and 4 months, 161 patients underwent cardiothoracic surgical procedures without insertion of chest drain. Ages of the patients` ranged from 2 weeks to 65 years, with a mean of 28 years. There were 83 males and 106 females. Four patients developed surgical emphysema over the wound site. In one patient it continued to progress, compelling chest drain insertion Postoperative recovery was quicker and the hospital stay remained short. Conclusion: It is safe to perform majority of thoracic procedures without retaining chest drain at the end. This expedites the recovery, save the patients from unnecessary pain and any other possible complications there of.

PakMediNet -Pakistan's largest Database of Pakistani Medical Journals - http://www.pakmedinet.com