Small versus large bore chest tube in traumatic hemothorax, hemopneumothorax, and pneumothorax: a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials with trial sequential analysis
This systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized trials compared small‑bore versus large‑bore chest tubes in adult trauma patients. Small‑bore tubes demonstrated similar failure and complication rates, with a modest but significant reduction in drainage duration. No differences in hospital stay were observed. However, trial sequential analysis showed the current evidence remains underpowered, suggesting that further high‑quality trials are needed before definitive changes to chest tube selection practice.
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