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[Hemothorax as a complication of thoracotomy]
Summary
Re-operation for postoperative haemothorax occurred in 0.8% of 3583 thoracotomies. Capillary bleeding from the pleura and intercostal arteries were the main causes, unaffected by heparin.
Area of Science:
- Thoracic Surgery
- Surgical Complications
- Pulmonary Medicine
Context:
- A retrospective study analyzed 3583 thoracotomies performed between 1969 and 1989.
- Focus on postoperative complications, specifically hemothorax requiring re-operation.
Purpose:
- To determine the incidence and causes of re-operation for hemothorax after thoracotomy.
- To evaluate the impact of heparin administration on the rate of hemothorax.
Summary:
- 29 patients (0.8%) required re-operation for postoperative hemothorax.
- Most common causes were pleural capillary bleeding and intercostal artery injury.
- Heparin administration did not affect the re-operation rate for hemothorax.
Impact:
- Identifies key bleeding sources post-thoracotomy for improved surgical management.
- Provides data on the incidence of a significant surgical complication.
- Informs clinical practice regarding anticoagulation in the perioperative period.