Thoracoscopy for Trauma

Eur J Trauma Emerg Surg. 2010 Feb;36(1):15-8. doi: 10.1007/s00068-010-9214-x. Epub 2010 Jan 30.

Abstract

Thoracoscopy has numerous applications for both diagnosis and treatment in thoracic trauma. It is excellent for the diagnosis of diaphragmatic injuries, mediastinal evaluation, and the assessment of persistent air-leak. It offers therapeutic intervention for diaphragmatic lacerations, thoracic bleeding in stable patients, evacuation of residual hemothorax, air-leaks, and the prevention and treatment of empyema. Judiciously applied, it is a powerful tool in the armamentarium of the trauma surgeon.

Keywords: Clotted hemothorax; Diaphragmatic injury; Empyema; Thoracoscopy.