SAFETY AND VALUE OF THORACENTESIS IN MEDICAL ICU PATIENTS

Authors
LEMENSE GP SAHN SA
Citation
Gp. Lemense et Sa. Sahn, SAFETY AND VALUE OF THORACENTESIS IN MEDICAL ICU PATIENTS, Journal of intensive care medicine, 13(3), 1998, pp. 144-148
Citations number
13
Categorie Soggetti
Emergency Medicine & Critical Care
Journal title
Journal of intensive care medicine → ACNP
ISSN journal
08850666
Volume
13
Issue
3
Year of publication
1998
Pages
144 - 148
Database
ISI
SICI code
0885-0666(1998)13:3<144:SAVOTI>2.0.ZU;2-R
Abstract
The objective of this study was to determine the safety and value of t horacentesis in an ICU, Thoracentesis is a safe procedure for critical ly ill patients, even those on mechanical ventilators, and usually con firms the suspected diagnosis. However, thoracentesis revealed an unex pected diagnosis that changed management in 12% of patients. Repeat or contralateral thoracentesis is indicated when either the clinical cou rse is inconsistent or map represent a complication of the original di agnosis.