A standard recommendation for commercial flight delay after chest tube removal is 2 to 3 weeks. Zonies et al found that a delay of 3 days (72 hours) is sufficient for patients who had a traumatic pneumothorax. The authors are from multiple institutions in the United States and Germany.
Patient selection: recent traumatic pneumothorax, status post chest tube removal, being transferred for additional care
Military casualties have traveled by air 24 hours after traumatic pneumothorax if there is radiographic resolution and if accompanied by a medical attendant.
Eligibility:
(1) At least 72 hours have passed since removal of the chest tube.
(2) An expiratory chest X-ray after tube removal shows no evidence of pneumothorax.
(3) The patient has been observed for at least 24 hours prior to the flight.
Additional guidance:
(1) The patient should have in-flight monitoring.
(2) The patient can be mechanically ventilated during the flight.
(3) Sudden decompression during the flight should be avoided.
(4) The patient should have follow-up after completing the journey.
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