Treatment:

The goal of treatment is to stabilize the patient, stop the bleeding, and remove the blood and air in the pleural space. A chest tube is inserted through the chest wall to drain the blood and air. It is left in place for several days to re-expand the lung.

When a hemothorax is severe and a chest tube alone does not control the bleeding, surgery (thoracotomy) may be needed to stop the bleeding.

The cause of the hemothorax should be also treated. In trauma patients, depending on the severity of the injury, chest tube drainage is often all that is necessary. Surgery is often not required.

Expectations (prognosis):

The outcome depends on the cause of the hemothorax and how quickly treatment is given.

Complications:

• Collapsed lung, leading to respiratory failure
• Death
• Fibrosis or scarring of the pleural membranes
• Pneumothorax
• Shock

Calling your health care provider:

Call 911 if you have:

• Any serious injury to the chest
• Chest pain or shortness of breath

Go to the emergency room or call the local emergency number (such as 911) if you have:

• Severe chest pain
• Severe difficulty breathing
• Symptoms of hemothorax