Recurrent pneumothorax following chest tube removal in thoracic stab wounds: a comparative study between end inspiratory versus end expiratory removal techniques at a major trauma centre in South Africa.

Timing of TT removal in relation to the respiratory cycle does not appear to influence the incidence of RPTX in patients with thoracic stab wounds. Technique of removal may well be a more important consideration and more attention must be focused on refining the optimal technique.