Thoracoscopic evacuation of retained post-traumatic hemothorax.

Post-traumatic retained hemothorax is a major risk factor for empyema thoracis leading to prolonged hospitalization, entrapped lung and a need for decortication. VATS (Video Assisted Thoracoscopy) for retained hemothorax shortens the duration of chest tube drainage and length of stay. From December 2004 to July 2009, 110 consecutive patients underwent VATS for retained or clotted hemothoraces at the Department of Thoracic Surgery, Jinnah Postgraduate Medical Centre, Karachi.