Comparison of Chest X-ray and Clinical Findings in Trauma Patients after Chest Tube Removal

Abstract

Introduction: Selective omission of Chest X-ray (CXR) after chest tube removal in asymptomatic patients has an important role in reduction of the consequences of unnecessary radiographies. Aim: The aim of this study was to compare CXR and clinical findings in traumatic patients after chest tube removal. Materials and Methods: This was a cross-sectional descriptive study on 130 trauma patients, who required a chest tube. CXR were obtained from all patients after four hours following chest tube removal and were studied by a radiologist. Clinical signs and symptoms were monitored and recorded and compared together. The correlation between CXR findings and clinical findings were analysed and compared with statistical tests. Results: Among 116 patients with normal CXR, no patient needed an intervention and among 14 patients with abnormal CXR, 5 (35.7%) patients required an intervention, with the difference being statistically significant. Correlation percentage among CXR results and need for an intervention was 50% (Kappa=0.5, p<0.001), and among clinical manifestation and need for an intervention was 79% (Kappa=0.79, p<0.001). Conclusion: It seems that taking a routine CXR in an asymptomatic patient after chest tube removal may not be necessary and can cause additional radiological exposure.

Keywords

• chest tubes
• haemothorax
• injuries
• pneumothorax
• radiography
• wounds