2 Clinical Trials for Various Conditions
Traumatic hemothorax and hemopneumothorax are common diagnoses which are typically treated by placement of a chest tube. 28-32 Fr chest tubes have previously been shown equivalent to 36-40 Fr chest tubes for the non-emergent drainage of hemothorax. A smaller study has found 14 Fr pigtails had less pain than larger tubes but was not powered to compare outcomes. We seek to perform a prospective randomized trial that is adequately powered comparing efficacy of 14 Fr thal tubes to 28 Fr chest tubes for non-emergent drainage of hemothorax and hemopneumothorax. Additionally, we will employ maximal barrier precautions for all chest tube insertions and compare empyema rates to our historical controls.
The purpose of this study is to examine the efficacy of prophylactic antibiotics in patients with chest tubes for management of thoracic injuries in the reduction of the incidence of empyema as compared to placebo.