Why Are Chest Tubes Used?

A chest tube thoracostomy is an emergency procedure. Doctors may insert a chest tube if the lungs are unable to function because of excess air or fluid in the pleura.

Air

• Excess air in the tissue that surrounds the lung may cause the lung to collapse. This usually occurs because of trauma. A collapsed lung is a painful medical emergency that requires the insertion of a chest tube.

Fluid

• Doctors may insert a chest tube if excess fluid impairs lung function. Excess fluid can accumulate if the patient has pneumonia or some cancers.

Procedure

• An incision is made where the chest tube will be inserted. A hollow chest tube is carefully inserted between the patient's ribs and into the tissue surrounding the lung called the pleura. A suction device attached to the end of the tube will help eliminate excess air or fluid. Chest tube thoracostomy is an emergency procedure, and there is usually no time for anesthesia. Doctors perform planned chest tube insertions to relieve labored breathing and local anesthesia is used to alleviate the pain.

Removal

• The doctor will perform X-rays to check for remaining fluid or air. The chest tube will be removed once the lung is functional. The removal process is fast and practically painless.

Recovery

• The patient and the doctor will watch for signs of infection after a chest tube removal. Infection symptoms include fever, swelling and pus around the incision site. The nursing staff will help track breathing and blood oxygen levels for signs of air leaking from the lung. The patient will need to do breathing exercises to help keep the lung inflated.