title: Comparison of a large and small-calibre tube drain for managing spontaneous pneumothoraces.
abstract: To compare treatment success of large- and small-bore chest drains in the treatment of spontaneous pneumothoraces the case-notes were reviewed of those admitted to our hospital with a total of 73 pneumothoraces and who were treated by trainee doctors of varying experience. Both a large- and a small-bore intercostal tube drain system were in use during the two-year period reviewed. Similar pneumothorax profile and numbers treated with both drains were recorded, resulting in a similar drain time and numbers of successful and failed re-expansion of pneumothoraces. Successful pneumothorax resolution was the same for both drain types and the negligible tube drain complications observed with the small-bore drain reflected previously reported experiences. However the large-bore drain was associated with a high complication rate (32%) with more infectious complications (24%). The small-bore drain was prone to displacement (21%). There was generally no evidence of an increased failure and morbidity, reflecting poorer expertise, in the non-specialist trainees managing the pneumothoraces. A practical finding however was that in those large pneumothoraces where re-expansion failed, the tip of the drain had not been sited at the apex of the pleural cavity irrespective of the drain type inserted.
authors.affiliation: Countess of Chester Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, Chester, Cheshire CH2 1UL, UK.
authors.forename: Ian J
authors.initials: IJ
authors.lastname: Benton
authors.forename: Grant F A
authors.initials: GF
authors.lastname: Benfield
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D002404:Catheterization / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000295:instrumentation*; D015505:Chest Tubes / Q000009:adverse effects; D002983:Clinical Competence; D004322:Drainage / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000295:instrumentation*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011030:Pneumothorax / Q000628:therapy*; D012307:Risk Factors; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D055815:Young Adult