How does chest tube work for pneumothorax?

Physicians use a chest tube into create negative pressure in the chest cavity and allow re-expansion of the lung. It helps remove air (pneumothorax), blood (hemothorax), fluid (pleural effusion or hydrothorax), chyle (chylothorax), or purulence (empyema) from the intrathoracic space.

When does a pneumothorax need a chest tube?

Large (> 25% or apex to cupula distance > 3 cm) pneumothorax requires chest tube placement.

Can a chest tube cause a pneumothorax?

Common complications of chest tube placement are malpositioning and empyema; more unusual complications include organ rupture and problems arising after removal, such as recurrent pneumothorax and tension pneumothorax.

Where does chest tube go for pneumothorax?

For pneumothorax, the tube is usually inserted in the 4th intercostal space, and for other indications in the 5th intercostal space, in the mid-axillary or anterior axillary line. Mark the insertion site. Prepare the area at and around the insertion site using an antiseptic solution such as chlorhexidine.

How long does a chest tube stay in for a pneumothorax?

For a chest tube insertion, the doctor will insert a hollowed tube between your ribs. This allows air to drain and the lung to reinflate. The tube may remain in place for 2 to 5 days or longer.

What are the indications for a chest tube?

Indications The most common indications for chest-tube drainage are: Pneumothorax that is recurrent, persistent, under tension, or bilateral; any pneumothorax in a patient on positive-pressure ventilation; hemothorax; recurrent or symptomatic large pleural effusion; empyema; and chylothorax.

When is a chest tube indicated?

Chest tubes are used to treat conditions that cause a lung to collapse. Some of these conditions are: Surgery or trauma in the chest. Air leaks from inside the lung into the chest (pneumothorax)

How long does a chest tube stay in for pneumothorax?

What are the complications of a chest tube?

In general, chest tube complications are categorized as insertional, positional or infective. More specifically, pain, vascular injury, improper positioning of the tube, inadvertent tube removal, postremoval complications, longer hospital stays, empyema and pneumonia have been reported in up to 30% of cases.

When can I remove chest tube after pneumothorax?

Abstract. Introduction: In the treatment of a spontaneous pneumothorax (SP), there is consensus that chest tubes should be removed only when there is a re-expansion of lung and no clinical evidence of an air leak.

Can you go home with a chest tube?

You may be in the hospital until after the tube is removed. Sometimes you may be sent home with the chest tube still in place. If you are sent home with the chest tube in place, you will need home healthcare or a caregiver until it is removed. You will be given pain medicine by mouth or by IV.