title: Early evacuation of clotted blood in hemothorax using thoracoscopy: case reports.
abstract: Hemothorax complicated by clotting of the blood is traditionally treated with thoracotomy. Successful treatment using early thoracoscopy in two patients is described. A third patient, in whom thoracoscopic evacuation failed, is also discussed. Early timing of the procedure appears to enhance the opportunity for adequate drainage of the thorax with lung re-expansion.
authors.affiliation: Department of Surgery, Louisiana State University College of Medicine, Shreveport 71130.
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Mancini
authors.forename: L M
authors.initials: LM
authors.lastname: Smith
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Nein
authors.forename: K J
authors.initials: KJ
authors.lastname: Buechter
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D001777:Blood Coagulation; D006491:Hemothorax / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000209:etiology / Q000628:therapy*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D013898:Thoracic Injuries / Q000150:complications; D013906:Thoracoscopy; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed; D014948:Wounds, Gunshot / Q000150:complications; D014951:Wounds, Stab / Q000150:complications