The international surgical journal with global reach

This is the Scientific Surgery Archive, which contains all randomized clinical trials in surgery that have been identified by searching the top 50 English language medical journal issues since January 1998. Compiled by Jonothan J. Earnshaw, former Editor-in-Chief, BJS

Prospective randomized trial of thoracostomy removal algorithms. J Trauma 1999; 46: 369-73.

Published: 1st January 1999

Authors: Martino K, Merrit S, Boyakye K, Sernas T, Koller C, Hauser CJ et al. et al.

Conclusion

A total of 205 patients with a chest drain following trauma were studied. The drains were either simply removed or withdrawn after a period of low wall suction through a water seal. The latter method allowed a few occult leaks to be detected and reduced the rate of repeat chest drainage

Pubmed Link