Video assisted thoracoscopic surgery vs thoracotomy in management of post traumatic retained hemothorax: a randomized study

Abstract Background Retained hemothorax is a serious problem that can lead to empyema or fibro-thorax. Evacuation of the retained commonly performed via open thoracotomy. This randomized study was conducted represent our center's expertise with this issue, we compared outcomes video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) against thoracotomy in managing post-traumatic clotted hemothorax. Methods prospective research on sixty cases posttraumatic remaining clots at least 500 ml one-third haemothorax cannot be evacuated by chest tube after 72 h first intervention, as detected computed tomography imaging who underwent VATS management Cases were allocated equal groups; group A: and B: Results Preoperative intercostal (ICT) placement period insignificantly different between two groups. Group A had significantly lesser post-operative amount ICT drainage, removed fewer days than B ( P value < 0.001). Post-operatively, numerical rating scale (NRS) higher post-extubation 6 extubation 0.05) both groups next morning, removal before discharge. statistically better NRS versus Wound infection incidence less = 0.025); air leak has shorter hospitalization outcases 0.492). returned normal activity earlier Conclusions more effective, well-tolerated, reliable intervention easily utilized for comparison