The Pulmonology Department of Ichilov Clinic offers a wide range of services, including the most modern methods known today for diagnosing lung diseases and treating various diseases of the thoracic organs, including hemothorax of the lungs.
Doctors at the clinic are specialists in respiratory system diseases, as well as in the treatment of internal diseases, pediatric and intensive pulmonary therapy, oncology, and sports medicine. In addition to highly qualified medical and nursing staff, the team includes laboratory and medical equipment technologists, physiotherapists, physiologists, and psychologists.
The Pulmonology Department of Ichilov provides its services in close collaboration with other departments of the center, such as radiology, thoracic surgery, oncology, microbiology, and nuclear medicine. Reviews and video testimonials about treatment at Ichilov can be viewed and read in the corresponding section of the website.
About the Disease
Hemothorax is the accumulation of blood between the chest wall and the lungs. This area, where blood can accumulate, is called the pleural cavity. The accumulation of blood volume in this space can ultimately lead to lung collapse, as blood is pushed out of the lung.
The accumulation of blood in the chest can have many causes. It is most commonly seen after severe chest trauma or surgeries involving chest opening, especially after heart or lung surgeries. Some conditions in which blood does not clot properly can also cause hemothorax.
Hemothorax can be caused by many of the same reasons that cause pneumothorax. Pneumothorax occurs when there is too much air between the chest wall and the lungs. This exerts too much pressure on the lung and causes the lung or part of it to collapse.
Treatment Methods for the Disease
The goal of treating hemothorax of the lungs is to stabilize the person's condition, stop the bleeding, and remove blood and air from the pleural cavity.
Drainage
A drainage tube is inserted through the chest wall between the ribs to drain blood and air. It is left in place and attached to suction for several days to re-expand the lung.
Thoracotomy
If bleeding continues even during drainage, the patient may require surgery to address the causes of the bleeding. Video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery is currently a more effective method for treating organized hemothorax compared to other methods. The type of thoracotomy required depends on which part of the chest or organs the surgeon needs to operate on. After the surgeon completes the operation, a tube will remain in the chest to drain any remaining blood or fluid.
Conservative Therapy
Conservative therapy for hemothorax of the lungs includes the use of hemotransfusion and hemostatic therapy, as well as antibacterial agents.
- Pneumonectomy. Thoracic surgery in Israel
How the Diagnosis of the Disease is Conducted
Upon identifying signs of the disease, the doctor will measure and monitor the vital signs of the person, including oxygen saturation, pulse, respiratory rate, and blood pressure. Symptoms will be addressed as necessary. The patient may require respiratory support. This may include oxygen, non-invasive positive pressure support such as BIPAP, or endotracheal intubation (placing a breathing tube through the mouth or nose into the airway) and placement on a ventilator (life-support breathing machine).
The following types of diagnostic procedures may also be performed.
- Blood tests
- X-ray: a chest X-ray will quickly show if there is fluid in the chest cavity. On the X-ray, the lungs will appear black, while pleural fluid and any blood in the chest cavity will appear white.
- CT: this can provide doctors with a complete image of the lungs and pleural cavity, which can be especially important in the case of trauma. A complete chest CT scan can often identify the cause of hemothorax and choose the best treatment for the person.
- Ultrasound: in emergency cases, ultrasound imaging allows for quick and accurate examination of the pleural cavity for possible injuries and hemothorax.
Doctors may also take a sample of pleural fluid to make an accurate diagnosis. If there are suspicions that the cause of hemothorax is cancer, tuberculosis, or another underlying condition, additional blood tests or imaging are recommended for proper diagnosis and relevant treatment.
Hemothorax is a serious condition that can be life-threatening if not treated. With timely medical assistance and uncomplicated hemothorax, the prognosis is positive.
- Computed Tomography
- X-ray
- Ultrasound
How Much Does Hemothorax Treatment Cost
The cost of medical care in Israel is based on standards that regulate prices for medical services for foreign citizens and prohibit hospitals from increasing treatment costs for patients from abroad. By contacting the Ichilov clinic in Israel, a patient can save 30-50% of financial resources compared to treatment in a medical institution of the same level in Germany or the USA.
Advantages of Treatment at Ichilov
- Doctors in the Pulmonology Department of Ichilov work in collaboration with specialists from related fields to provide the best care for patients.
- The clinic constantly monitors the quality of patient care and works on improving and implementing innovations to provide all patients with the most modern and effective treatment.
- International specialists at Ichilov always strive to surround each patient seeking treatment in Israel with genuine care and attention and to provide professional quality assistance at all stages of patient treatment.
Unmatched medical training of the staff combined with flexible pricing policies ensures the popularity of treatment in Israel among patients from Europe, the USA, and the CIS countries.