The efficacy of X-rays after chest tube removal.

BACKGROUND

The insertion and subsequent removal of chest tubes are frequently performed procedures. We hypothesize that routine chest radiographs obtained after chest tube removal to confirm the absence of any post-procedure complications have little impact on clinical management.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A 5-year retrospective study of 73 patients with tube thoracotomies was performed in a level II trauma center's intensive care unit. Patients were identified from billing records for chest tube placement. Medical records and official chest x-ray film reports, both before and after removal, were reviewed, and demographic data were collected.

RESULTS

Of the 73 patients examined, only 8 had postprocedure reports that differed from the preprocedure reports. Two of these 8 patients required reinsertion of a chest tube to treat the recurrence of a significant pneumothorax. However, the decision to reinsert the chest tube was based on the patient's clinical appearance rather than on the x-ray findings.

CONCLUSION

Chest radiography following the removal of chest tubes should not be a routinely performed procedure, but should preferably be based on the good clinical judgement and discrimination of the surgeon.