Video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery in a high-volume urban trauma centre
Year: 2025
Type: article
Study design: Observational Study
Abstract: BACKGROUND: Tube thoracostomy (TT) is the standard treatment for haemothorax, but 5-30% of cases may result in retained haemothorax. Video-assisted thoracoscopy surgery (VATS) is a recognised treatment for retained haemothorax, although its timing and feasibility can be challenging in resource-limited settings with restricted theatre access. The objective was to evaluate and describe our experience with VATS at Charlotte Maxeke Johannesburg Academic Hospital (CMJAH), South Africa. METHODS: This was a retrospective study over seven years (1 January 2017 - 31 December 2023). All adult trauma patients with retained haemothorax who underwent VATS were included. Data were collected from hospital databases, focusing on patient demographics, mechanism of injury, vital signs, radiological findings, indications for VATS, and clinical outcomes. RESULTS: = 9), including pneumonia (2.8%), drain site infections (5.6%), and recurrence of haemothorax (4.2%). The median length of hospital stay after VATS was 6 days, with no in-hospital mortalities. CONCLUSION: VATS is a safe and feasible option for managing penetrating chest trauma in resource-constrained environments, with low complication rates and low in-hospital mortality rates.
Source: South African Journal of Surgery
DOI: 10.36303/sajs.02692
Authors: S Makhadi, L Mohlala, EE Nweke, N Elebo, MS Moeng
Institutions: University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg Hospital
Language: English
Subfield: Surgery
Field: Medicine
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: diamond
OpenAlex ID: W4413705801