Suction vs Underwater Seal for HemoPneumoThoraX Trial

Traumatic pneumothorax and hemothorax are common consequences of chest injury, often requiring prompt tube thoracostomy to re-expand the lung and drain accumulated blood or air. Current practice varies widely regarding whether chest tubes should initially be placed to suction or to water seal, and prior studies have reported mixed findings. While suction may theoretically improve drainage and lung expansion, some studies suggest it may prolong air leaks and chest tube duration. Conversely, initial water seal has been associated with shorter tube duration without an increase in complications. The predecessor to this trial, the SEAL IT Trial, demonstrated that water seal reduced chest tube duration in patients with pneumothorax without an increase in complication, but excluded those with significant hemothorax. This single-center, randomized controlled trial (SUS-HPTX) will expand upon those findings by evaluating the effect of initial chest tube management strategy, suction versus water seal, in trauma patients with hemopneumothorax or hemothorax. Patients will be assigned to one of the two groups based on calendar month of enrollment, with clinicians able to adjust management as needed. The primary outcome is chest tube duration. Secondary outcomes include chest tube-related complications (e.g., empyema, pneumonia, re-accumulation of pneumothorax or hemothorax, need for additional procedures), hospital length of stay, readmissions, and mortality. Because both suction and water seal are accepted standards of care, the study involves minimal incremental risk. Findings will expand prior evidence and inform best practices for chest tube management in trauma