The following are the indications for performing thoracotomy after blunt injury of the chest, except:
Indications of thoracotomy: Initial tube thoracostomy drainage of >1000ml (Penetrating injury) or >1500 ml (blunt injury) Ongoing tube thoracostomy drainage of >200 ml/hr for 3 consecutive hours in non-caogulopathic patients Caked hemothorax despite of placement of two chest tubes Tracheobronchial injury Selected descending torn aoa or great vessel injury Pericardial tamponade Cardiac herniation Massive air leak from chest tube with inadequate ventilation Open Pneumothorax Esophageal perforation Ref: Sabiston 20th edition PGno: 427, 429
100 ml drainage after placing an intercoastal tube
Continous bleeding through intercostal tube of more than 200 ml/hour for three or more hours
Cardiac tamponade
Rib Fracture
Cardio thoracic surgery  