Chest drainage tubes.

Abstract

In general, appropriate use of tube thoracostomy results in complete drainage of the collected air and fluid in the pleural space and allows full expansion and occupation of the entire pleural space by the lung, thus protecting the lung and pleural space from subsequent complications. In addition, the drainage of the pleural space with a tube thoracostomy allows more accurate monitoring of the rate of accumulation of air and blood in the pleural space. Thus, it provides valuable information for the subsequent management of some patients, such as those with traumatic hemothorax.