Indications for a chest drain
Indications:
- tension pneumothorax
- traumatic pneumothorax or haemothorax
- any pneumothorax causing respiratory distress, especially in the presence of pre-existing lung disease such as asthma or emphysema
- any pneumothorax prior to anaesthesia or positive pressure ventilation
- closed pneumothorax occupying more than 25% of the hemithorax
A chest drain is not indicated for:
- surgical emphysema in the chest wall in the absence of a pneumothorax
- prophylaxis
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