The following are the indications for performing thoracotomy after blunt injury of the chest, except:
High-Yield Explanation
Indications of thoracotomy: Initial tube thoracostomy drainage of >1000ml (Penetrating injury) or >1500 ml (blunt injury) Ongoing tube thoracostomy drainage of >200 ml/hr for 3 consecutive hours in non-caogulopathic patients Caked hemothorax despite of placement of two chest tubes Tracheobronchial injury Selected descending torn aoa or great vessel injury Pericardial tamponade Cardiac herniation Massive air leak from chest tube with inadequate ventilation Open Pneumothorax Esophageal perforation Ref: Sabiston 20th edition PGno: 427, 429