What is a
tube thoracostomy?
Critically ill or injured patients may develop a
collapsed lung, a large fluid collection around the lung
(pleural effusion), an infected fluid collection around the lung (empyema),
or a blood collection around the lung (hemothorax). These conditions
frequently require a tube thoracostomy, which is the insertion of a
chest
tube to re-expand the lung and/or remove the fluid or blood
around the lung.
What is a chest tube?
A chest tube is a hollow plastic tube that is surgically inserted
into the space around the lung and connected to a bedside drainage
container. A chest tube is also called a thoracostomy tube.
How is the chest tube used?
A chest tube may be inserted while the patient is in the emergency
department, ICU, general hospital room, or the operating room.
Patients are usually lying down when a chest tube is inserted. The
most common insertion sites are between the ribs on the side or
front of the chest. The doctor uses a numbing medicine (local
anesthetic) to numb the area through which the chest tube is
inserted. A small
incision in the skin is made. A narrow track is then made
through the chest wall and tube is then inserted into the space
around the lung. The chest tube is approximately the size of an
adult index finger. The tube is connected to a drainage/collection
system attached to the bed. Fluid and air bubbles may be seen
entering the collection system.
How long is a chest tube used?
The chest tube remains in place until the lung is re-expanded or the
fluid is drained. Occasionally patients require more than one chest
tube. Chest X-rays are usually obtained to follow the progress of
the chest tube.
Do a tube thoracostomy and chest tube hurt?
Some discomfort may be felt during the insertion procedure. This is
usually minimized by use of a numbing medicine (local
anesthetic) at the insertion site and pain medicine is given
occasionally
intravenously. Following insertion, ongoing discomfort is felt
by some patients.
Are there any potential complications
associated with a tube thoracostomy and a chest tube?
Potential complications of a tube
thoracostomy and
chest
tube include bleeding, inadequate drainage of fluid or
blood
in the chest, inadequate re-expansion of the lung, improper
positioning of the tube, and infections.
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Chest tube coming from left side of chest and
connecting to the tubing of the chest drainage
device |
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Tube Thoracostomy 
