Utility of digital thoracotomy in chest trauma

Abstract

Background: toracostomy in thoracic trauma is a good opportunity for the digital exploration of pleural cavity. Objectives: To evaluate the utillty of digital exploration during chest tuhe insertion in thoracic trauma. Setting: 1-lospital (le Urgencias. Córdoba. Paticnts and methods: patients with blunt and penetratingchest trauma by stah wound, who nccd chest tuhe insertion and treated by onlv one surgeon. were evaluated from July 10 to December 31st 2000. Previously to the thoracostomy with 24 french tube in 5th intercostal space. at the affected side. a digital exploration of pleural cavity was done. attempting to find iutrathoracic injuries. Results: ¡ti a six months period. 36 lhnraeostomy tubes were placed. due lii cje trauma (11 blunt trauma and 25 o 1 raling. by sial) wound). Three patients positive findings in the digital exploration. which forced to do another diagnostic or therapcutic proeedures. Conclusions: digital thoracotomy is not eonsidcred a formal procedure, but as a part of a technique, in which, the previous exploration with the finger before chest tuhe insertion, allows to rcach a diagnosis of the pleural space situation, to confirm suspicions, lo rnodify a conduct. aud to avoici greater morhiclity to patients.