PT  - JOURNAL ARTICLE
AU  - Muckart, D J
AU  - Luvuno, F M
AU  - Baker, L W
TI  - Penetrating injuries of the pleural cavity.
AID  - 10.1136/thx.39.10.789
DP  - 1984 Oct 01
TA  - Thorax
PG  - 789--793
VI  - 39
IP  - 10
4099  - http://thorax.bmj.com/content/39/10/789.short
4100  - http://thorax.bmj.com/content/39/10/789.full
SO  - Thorax1984 Oct 01; 39
AB  - Two hundred and fifty one cases of penetrating wounds of the chest were studied prospectively. Clinical evidence is presented to show that: basal intercostal drains are adequate to remove both air and fluid from within the pleural cavity; frequent chest radiographs are unnecessary and intercostal drains may be removed on clinical grounds alone; long term antibiotic prophylaxis is unnecessary; eight per cent of those undergoing initial observation will develop a delayed haemothorax or pneumothorax of sufficient size to require drainage; subcutaneous emphysema is of no prognostic significance in the symptomless patient with minimal intrapleural damage on admission; and outpatient follow up is not required.