Background: Post traumatic clotted hemothorax is a serious problem associated with the presence of fluid loculation by fibrous adhesions, trapped lungs and increased the risk of infection and empyema. Intrapleural instillation of streptokinase may dissolve fibrin clots and membranes, break down adhesions and facilitate complete evacuation of residual blood clots and loculated effusions especially if given in the 1st 7days post trauma.
The aim of this study is to evaluate the effect of streptokinase injection as a fibrinolytic drug treating patients with clotted hemothorax within and after 1-week post trauma.
Methodology of this study included 60 patients randomly divided into 2 groups: Group A: include 30 patients with clotted hemothorax receiving streptokinase from 3rd to 7th day post trauma and Group B: include 30 patients with clotted hemothorax receiving streptokinase after 1-week post trauma.
Conclusion: Intrapleural streptokinase injection could be an ideal option for post-traumatic clotted hemothorax before the decision is made to proceed to VATS or thoracotomy especially if given in the 1st 7 days post trauma.