• G Johnson.
• Accident and Emergency Department, Derriford Hospital, Plymouth.
• J Accid Emerg Med. 1996 May 1; 13 (3): 173-4.

ObjectiveTo examine the management of traumatic pneumothorax in a department where some of these injuries do not receive chest drains.MethodsA retrospective study of the management of traumatic pneumothorax was performed on a unit where historically many of these injuries have been treated conservatively.Results54 pneumothoraces in a three year period were identified. Of these, 29 injuries (54.7%) were initially managed without drainage. Two patients subsequently had chest drains inserted as a result of asymptomatic radiological enlargement of the pneumothorax while inpatients. No patients deteriorated clinically during conservative treatment.ConclusionsChest drain insertion for small or moderate sized traumatic pneumothoraces, in the absence of other significant injuries or the need for intermittent positive pressure ventilation (IPPV), may be unnecessary.

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