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Alternative names Return to top
Chest drainage tube insertion; Insertion of tube into chest; Tube thoracostomyDefinition Return to top
Surgical insertion of a hollow, flexible drainage tube into the chest.Description Return to top
Chest tubes are inserted to drain blood, fluid, or air and allow full expansion of the lungs. The tube is placed between the ribs and into the space between the inner lining and the outer lining of the lung (pleural space).Indications Return to top
Chest tubes are used to treat conditions that can cause the lung to collapse, such as:Risks Return to top
Risks for any anesthesia are:Expectations after surgery Return to top
Recovery from the chest tube insertion and removal is usually complete, with only a small scar.Convalescence Return to top
The patient will stay in the hospital until the chest tube is removed. While the chest tube is in place, the nursing staff will carefully check for possible air leaks, breathing difficulties, and need for additional oxygen. Frequent deep breathing and coughing is necessary to help re-expand the lung, assist with drainage, and prevent normal fluids from collecting in the lungs. Update Date: 7/23/2003 Updated by: Hebe Molmenti, M.D., Ph.D., Private practice specializing in Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Baltimore, MD. Previous review by John A. Daller, MD, PhD., Department of Surgery, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX. Reviews provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network (11/30/2001).
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Page last updated: 28 October 2004 |