Chest Tube Size Selection: Evaluating Provider Practices, Treatment Efficacy, and Complications in Management of Thoracic Trauma

Authors

Genevieve E. Messa, LSU Health Sciences Center - New OrleansFollow
Cameron J. Fontenot, LSU Health Sciences Center - New OrleansFollow
Paige E. Deville, LSU Health Sciences Center - New OrleansFollow
John P. Hunt, LSU Health Sciences Center - New OrleansFollow
Alan B. Marr, LSU Health Sciences Center - New OrleansFollow
Jonathan E. Schoen, LSU Health Sciences Center - New OrleansFollow
Lance E. Stuke, LSU Health Sciences Center - New OrleansFollow
Patrick P. Greiffenstein, LSU Health Sciences Center - New OrleansFollow
Alison A. Smith, LSU Health Sciences Center - New OrleansFollow

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

4-1-2024

Publication Title

The American Surgeon

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.

First Page

1501

Last Page

1507

PubMed ID

38557288

Volume

90

Issue

6

Recommended Citation

Messa, Genevieve E.; Fontenot, Cameron J.; Deville, Paige E.; Hunt, John P.; Marr, Alan B.; Schoen, Jonathan E.; Stuke, Lance E.; Greiffenstein, Patrick P.; and Smith, Alison A., "Chest Tube Size Selection: Evaluating Provider Practices, Treatment Efficacy, and Complications in Management of Thoracic Trauma" (2024). School of Medicine Faculty Publications. 2582.
https://digitalscholar.lsuhsc.edu/som_facpubs/2582
10.1177/00031348241241735