Residual Hemothorax after Chest Tube Placement Correlates with Increased Risk of Empyema Following Traumatic Injury

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Empyema complicates tube thoracostomy following trauma in up to 10% of cases. Studies of potential risk factors of empyema have included use of antibiotics, site of injury and technique of chest tube placement. Residual fluid has also been cited as a risk factor for empyema, although the imaging technique to identify this varies.