Influence of performed diagnostic and therapeutic procedures on the outcome of the treatment of traumatic hemopneumothorax during isolated chest trauma. The aim of this study is the assessment of the influence of performed diagnostic and therapeutic procedures on the outcome of hemopneumothorax as a part of isolated chest trauma. The main group consists of 51 patients with hemopneumothorax. Patients with pneumothorax without effusion represent the first control group; the second control group consist of patients treated because of iatrogenic pneumothorax. In the main and control groups the analysis of clinical, roentgenographic and functional parameters was made, together with the analysis of particular therapeutic procedures, the estimation of the success of the treatment was based on roentgenographic and functional parameters. The higher incidence of hemopneumothorax compared with control groups during chest trauma in the analyzed material is statistically significant. The occurrence of bilateral hemopneumothorax in 10% of cases emphasizes the need of adequate roentgenographic assessment of injured patients. Regardless of the intensity of the trauma, symptoms do not always indicate the existence of hemopneumothorax. The number of fractured ribs is not of significant importance in terms of the occurrence of hemopneumothorax or pneumothorax. Severe dyspnea can be accompanied even with a smaller collapse of the lung independently of the amount of blood in the pleural cavity. Oxygenation in the arterial blood is impaired with the great and small pulmonary collapse. Hemodynamic disorders existed in 14% all cases. The higher frequency of operative treatment in the main group is statistically significant. The majority of cases of traumatic hemopneumothorax can be successfully treated by the conservative treatment. Accompanying complications do not have greater influence on the outcome.
Adult Hemopneumothorax