Is large bore tube thoracostomy superior to no intervention or any other intervention for adults with pneumothorax caused by trauma?

Verstraete Søren, El-Bazioui Loubna, Vanhee Alexine, 2025
Medicine is a constantly evolving field, addressing new challenges to improve patient care and outcomes. This research merges emergency medicine and surgery to refine traumatic pneumothorax (PTX) management, a life-threatening condition caused by air accumulation between the lung and chest wall, often due to blunt or penetrating trauma.The standard treatment, tube thoracostomy (TT), involves inserting a large chest tube to evacuate air and re-expand the lung. While effective, TT is invasive and carries risks like infection, tissue damage and pain. This study explored less invasive alternatives—observation, pigtail catheters, and video-assisted TT (V-TT) - to improve outcomes and minimize complications. It also explored the role of Positive Pressure Ventilation (PPV), which is important in trauma care to tailor treatments to patient needs. Observation was found to be a safe and effective option for stable PTX in non-PPV patients, particularly after blunt trauma. It was linked to fewer complications, lower mortality, and shorter hospital stays than TT, though close monitoring is essential as some cases may progress and require intervention. Pigtail catheters, a smaller and less invasive alternative, demonstrated similar effectiveness to TT for uncomplicated cases. They significantly reduced pain and hospital stays, making them a suitable option for stable patients not requiring rapid air evacuation. V-TT demonstrated potential for improved accuracy and fewer complications, though further research is needed. For PPV patients, observation and pigtail catheters were less effective, and TT remains the preferred approach. In conclusion, observation and pigtail catheters are effective alternatives for non-PPV patients, reducing complications and hospital stays, while TT remains essential for PPV patients. V-TT offers promise for complex cases, requiring further study. This research highlights the need for individualized, patient-centered care that balances efficacy and minimizes invasiveness. This research underscores the importance of individualized, patient-centered care, balancing treatment effectiveness with efforts to minimize invasiveness and enhance recovery. Societal Relevance and Impact This research has significant implications for both patient care and healthcare systems. By exploring less invasive treatment options for traumatic pneumothorax (PTX), such as observation and pigtail catheters, the findings suggest alternatives to the standard tube thoracostomy (TT). These approaches are particularly beneficial for stable PTX cases, as they can reduce pain, shorten hospital stays, and accelerate recovery. This shift towards minimally invasive treatments promotes a more patient-centered approach, emphasizing comfort and reducing the risk of complications. For healthcare systems, adopting conservative management strategies could help reduce overall healthcare costs. With fewer complications and shorter hospital stays, less invasive treatments improve resource utilization, particularly in emergency settings where TT may be overused. Additionally, in resource-limited environments, these strategies could optimize the use of available resources, contributing to more efficient care delivery. Ultimately, this research supports the ongoing conversation about patient-centered care by advocating for treatment approaches that are not only effective but also minimally invasive. It encourages healthcare providers to consider alternatives that align with both patient needs and system efficiency, fostering a more sustainable and cost-effective healthcare model.

Promotor Patrick Van de Voorde
Opleiding Geneeskunde
Domein Spoedgeneeskunde
Kernwoorden trauma pneumothorax chest tube tube thoracostomy observation pigtail catheter positive pressure ventilation