Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 31, 2026

A Retrospective Study on Endoscopic Surgery for the Treatment of Paravertebral Abscess in Spinal Tuberculosis Patients
Published on: October 25, 2024
Clinical management of occult hemothorax: a prospective study of 81 patients
Ismail Mahmood1, Husham Abdelrahman, Ammar Al-Hassani
1Section of Trauma Surgery, Department of Surgery, Hamad General Hospital, Doha, Qatar.
Background:
Intrapleural blood detected by computed tomography scan, but not evident on plain chest radiograph, defines occult hemothorax. This study determined the role for tube thoracostomy.
Methods:
Hemothorax was quantified on computed tomography by measuring the deepest lamellar fluid stripe at the most dependent portion. Data were collected prospectively on demographics, injury mechanism/severity, chest injuries, mechanical ventilation, hospital length of stay, complications, and outcome. Indications for tube thoracostomy were recorded.
Results:
Tube thoracostomy was avoided in 67 patients (83%). Indications for chest tube placement included progression of hemothorax (8), desaturation (4), and delayed hemothorax (2). Patients with intrapleural fluid thickness greater than 1.5 cm were 4 times more likely to require tube thoracostomy.
Conclusions:
Occult hemothorax can be managed successfully without tube thoracostomy in most cases. Mechanical ventilation is not an indication for chest tube placement. Accompanying occult pneumothorax may be expected in 50% of cases, but did not affect clinical management.
Related Concept Videos
Pneumothorax-II
Clinical Manifestations:
Esophageal Varices-II: Clinical Features and Management
In the initial assessment, a thorough review of the patient's medical history is vital to identify risk factors such as liver disease, alcohol abuse, or...
Endoscopic Studies II: Thoracocentesis
Description
Excess pleural fluid or air may accumulate in some respiratory disorders in the thoracic cavity. To treat pleural effusion, a physician conducts thoracentesis by carefully piercing the chest wall and entering...
Esophageal Perforation-II: Clinical Manifestations and Management
Clinical Manifestations:
Venous Thrombosis IV: Nursing Management
Flail Chest-II
Assessment:
1. Clinical Evaluation:
History: