Abstract
OBJECTIVE:The purpose of this study was to determine the optimal time interval for identifying a pneumothorax (PTX) on chest radiograph (CXR) after placing a chest tube on water seal.
METHODS:One hundred nineteen chest tubes were placed on water seal according to a prospective, observational study protocol. After water seal, both an early (3.1 ± 2.1 hours) and a late (17.6 ± 8.0 hours) CXR was obtained.
RESULTS:Thirty-one patients had a PTX on follow-up CXRs. There were 22 early and 9 late PTXs identified. Three patients in the early group had a clinically significant PTX or an increase in the size of PTX on follow-up CXR. None of the patients in the late group had a clinically significant PTX (any worsening of their PTX) or required further intervention.
CONCLUSION:A normal chest radiograph obtained 3 hours after placing a chest tube on water seal effectively excludes development of a clinically significant pneumothorax.
