MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia:Chest tube insertion

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Chest tube insertion - series: Aftercare

Chest tube insertion - seriesIllustrations:

Normal anatomy

Indication

Procedure

Aftercare

Recovery from the chest tube insertion and removal is usually complete, with only a small scar.

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: 8/10/2007

Updated by: Allen J. Blaivas, DO, Pulmonary, Critical Care, and Sleep Medicine, Department of Veteran Affairs, VA System, East Orange, NJ. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

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