Intended for healthcare professionals

Research Article

Guidelines for the management of spontaneous pneumothorax. Standards of Care Committee, British Thoracic Society.

British Medical Journal 1993; 307 doi: https://doi.org/10.1136/bmj.307.6896.114 (Published 10 July 1993) Cite this as: British Medical Journal 1993;307:114
  1. A C Miller,
  2. J E Harvey
  1. Mayday Hospital, Croydon.

    Abstract

    Simple flow diagrams, with explanatory notes, have been devised to assist in the immediate and subsequent management of patients presenting to casualty departments with spontaneous pneumothorax. They cover decision making about which patients require admission; whether a drainage procedure is necessary; if so, the appropriate method, including technical details; inpatient treatment; referral of inpatients to a respiratory specialist; and follow up arrangements. The guidelines, designed for incorporation into casualty and ward handbooks, have already proved valuable in several district general hospitals, and can be used as a basis for audit.