Ministry of Health

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 Published: 28/11/2011

OR Thoracotomy

At Auckland Hospital, <5% of blunt trauma patients and approximately 25% of penetrating trauma patients undergo operating room thoracotomy. 

Indications
1. Massive haemothorax (>1500ml blood drained immediately from chest tube)
2. Ongoing bleeding (>200ml/hr for 2-4 hours, ongoing transfusion requirement)
3. Significant undrained haemothorax following chest drain insertion warrants thoracotomy or thoracoscopy to evaluate.
4. Cardiac tamponade, confirmed by ECHO, pericardiocentesis or subxiphoid window
5. Mediastinal traversing wounds, ie cross or are in the midline
6. Specific injury requiring surgical intervention (e.g. tracheobronchial, oesophageal)

Last updated on 28/11/2011