This multicenter study looked at trauma patients with a hemothorax who underwent early tube thoracostomy vs. being observed. They found volume of over 300 ml predicted observation failure. Those observed had shorter hospital stays and less ICU admissions. Twenty two percent of observation patients required tube thoracostomy. The failed observation group had similar outcomes except longer hospital stays.
References
The Journal of Trauma and Acute Care Surgery ():10.1097/TA.0000000000004991, April 24, 2026. | DOI: 10.1097/TA.0000000000004991