Zentralblatt für Chirurgie
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The aim of this study was to assess the role of thoracoscopy in the evaluation of the cause of persistent intrathoracic bleeding, air leak, or nuclear basal opacification after blunt thoracic trauma. As a result, a decision to proceed to early thoracotomy could be made, or an attempt of thoracoscopic haemostasis, haematoma evacuation, or fistula closure was possible. Twelve patients (9 male, 3 female, mean age 33,7 years) with blunt thoracic trauma underwent video-assisted thoracoscopy under general anaesthesia with double-lumen endotracheal intubation and one-lung ventilation. ⋯ Video-assisted thoracoscopy is helpful in the diagnosis and treatment of thoracic trauma, allowing early recognition of injuries that require thoracotomy. It is indicated for persistent (but not life-threatening) intrathoracic bleeding, unresolving pneumothorax, and unclear basal opacification. Therapeutic parenchymal tissue glue application and suturing as well as local resection and haematoma evacuation can be performed with this technique.