Evaluation of Clinical background and yield of chest tube thoracotomy in hydropneumothorax , a pulmonologist point of view.

Abstract

Introduction: The enlightenment of Hydro-pneumothorax arrived in former times of primitive Greece. It is a term which explains simultaneous existence of both free air and fluid (i.e., pneumothorax and hydrothorax) in the pleural space.The goal was to contribute and update the knowledge of clinical aspect as well as yield of diagnostic modalities in handling the cases of Hydropneumothorax. Materials and Methods: Diagnosed cases of hydropneumothorax from casualty and routine OPD are considered. Detail of clinical background entered. Patients were subjected for analysis of sputum, blood and pleural fluid. Radiological investigation was done. Patients underwent tube thoracotomy procedure and observed till resolution.  Results: Total 97 subjects had participated. Among them 76(78.35%) were men and 21 (21.64%) women. 91(93.85%) subjects had shortness of breath.  34 subjects (35.05%) had tuberculosis in the past.  Sputum smear AFB was positive in 19 subjects (19.58%). Plural fluid GeneXpert MTB was detected in 11 subjects (11.34 %) and MGIT Culture positive in 23(23.71%) subjects. Plural fluid gram stain culture was conclusive in 24 (24.74%) subjects. Pleural fluid ADA was raised in 74 (76.28%) subjects. Hypoxemia was observed in 46 (47.42%). In 38 (39.19%) cases chest tube was removed between 31 to 60 days.  Conclusion: Tuberculosis turns up as the most common aetiology of hydropneumothorax and duration required for resolution is uncertain. Evaluation of pleural fluid (cytology, microbiological culture, biochemical measure) and Computed tomography were essential to reach aetiology of condition. Chest tube thoracotomy remains most practiced modality of treatment in hydropneumothorax. However advanced techniques have promising outcome and it’s an opportunity to research further.