CHEST TUBE INSERTION

Chest Tube Insertion (Thoracostomy)


Introduction:
A chest tube can help drain air, blood, or fluid from the space surrounding your
lungs, called the pleural space.


Chest tube insertion is also referred to as chest tube thoracostomy. It’s typically an
emergency procedure. It may also be done after surgery on organs or tissues in your
chest cavity.


During chest tube insertion, a hollow plastic tube is inserted between your ribs into
the pleural space. The tube may be connected to a machine to help with the
drainage. The tube will stay in place until the fluid, blood, or air is drained from your
chest.


You may need a chest tube if you have any of the following:

 a collapsed lung

 a lung infection

 bleeding around your lung, especially after a trauma (such as a car accident)

 fluid build-up due to another medical condition, such as cancer or pneumonia

 breathing difficulty due to a build-up of fluid or air

 surgery, especially lung, heart, or oesophagal surgery




Procedure: -

Someone who specializes in lung conditions and diseases is called a pulmonary
specialist. A surgeon or pulmonary specialist will usually perform the chest tube
insertion. During chest tube insertion, the following happens: