COMPLICATIONS RELATED TO THORACIC DRAINAGE FOR TRAUMA IN A REGIONAL HOSPITAL IN BRASÍLIA
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.56238/revgeov17n1-034Keywords:
Thoracic Trauma, Thoracic Drainage, Complications, Emergency, Epidemiological ProfileAbstract
Introduction: Thoracic trauma remains a significant cause of morbidity in emergency services, with chest drainage being a fundamental procedure in the management of complications such as pneumothorax, hemothorax, and hemopneumothorax. Despite its widespread use, the technique is not without risks, and the occurrence of complications can vary according to clinical characteristics, trauma severity, and drainage duration. Objective: To analyze the clinical-epidemiological profile and complications associated with chest drainage in trauma patients treated at a public hospital in the Federal District. Methods: Observational, descriptive, and analytical retrospective study based on the analysis of 89 medical records of patients who underwent chest drainage for trauma between March 2023 and March 2025. Demographic variables, trauma characteristics, procedural aspects, drainage duration, complications, and clinical outcomes were evaluated. The normality of continuous variables was previously tested, and statistical analysis was performed using STATA® 17.0, adopting p < 0.05. Results: A predominance of males (86.52%) was observed, with a mean age of 44.85 ± 17.72 years. Hemopneumothorax was the main indication for drainage (50.56%), and the left hemithorax was the most affected (50.56%). Complications associated with drainage occurred in 39.33% of patients, predominantly respiratory and drain-related complications. The mean duration of drain placement was longer among patients with general complications (p = 0.0343) and with drain-related complications (p = 0.0386). Severe outcomes occurred in 3.37% and were associated with older age (p = 0.0424), type of trauma (p = 0.018), and laterality of drainage (p = 0.035). There was no association between complications and drainage site, indication for the procedure, or referral to thoracic surgery (p > 0.05). Conclusion: Thoracic drainage in trauma proved essential and effective, although associated with moderate complication rates. Longer drainage time and advanced age were associated with worse outcomes. Technical standardization, continuous training, and rigorous monitoring can contribute to reducing complications and optimizing clinical results.
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