Chest drain is not indicated prior to positive pressure ventilation for occult pneumothoraces.
Date First Published:
October 12, 2011
Last Updated:
October 12, 2011
Report by:
Dr Alexandra Cross, ST3 Emergency Medicine (Musgrove Park Hospital)
Search checked by:
Dr James Dunn, Musgrove Park Hospital
Three-Part Question:
In the [adult blunt trauma patient with an occult pneumothorax who requires positive pressure ventilation] does [inserting a chest drain versus careful observation] cause [more respiratory complications]?