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A tube thoracostomy is a procedure in which a small, hollow tube is inserted through a small incision in the chest wall and into the pleural space. Tube thoracotomies are usually performed in the emergency department or the operating room. The procedure is typically performed under local anaesthesia, although general anaesthesia may be used in some cases. The procedure is generally safe, and complications are rare.
Tube thoracotomies are often performed when a patient has a pneumothorax (a collapsed lung). A pneumothorax can occur due to a variety of causes, such as a punctured lung or a traumatic injury to the chest. A tube thoracostomy may also be performed if a patient has a pleural effusion (an accumulation of fluid in the pleural space). Pleural effusions can be caused by a variety of conditions, such as heart failure, cancer, or infections.
Pre-procedure
Before the procedure, the patient will be given a local anaesthetic to numb the area where the tube will be inserted. The patient may also be given a sedative to help them relax. The patient will be asked to lie on their side or sit upright during the procedure.
Procedure
The first step of the procedure is to clean the skin over the area where the tube will be inserted. An antiseptic solution is then used to further clean the skin. A small incision is made in the skin, and the physician then inserts a needle into the pleural space. A guidewire is then passed through the needle and into the pleural space. The needle is then removed, leaving the guidewire in place.
The next step is to insert the tube. The tube is inserted over the guidewire and is passed through the incision in the skin. The tube is then threaded through the intercostal space until it reaches the pleural cavity. The guidewire is then removed, and the tube is secured in place.
Once the tube is in place, the physician will then attach a drainage system to the tube. The drainage system will allow air and fluid to be removed from the pleural cavity, and the system will also allow the physician to monitor the amount of air and fluid being removed from the cavity.
The final step of the procedure is to close the incision in the skin. It can be done using sutures, staples, or tape. The tube and drainage system will be left in place for several days and removed when the physician feels that the pleural cavity has been sufficiently drained. Book an appointment to have the best treatment.
Risks involved
There are several risks involved in the treatment of a pleural effusion, including:
Infection: There is a risk of infection at the site of the incision, as well as a risk of infection in the pleural cavity.
Bleeding: There is a risk of bleeding at the incision site.
Pneumothorax: There is a risk of pneumothorax (collapsed lung) when the tube is inserted into the pleural cavity.
Damage to surrounding structures: There is a risk of damage to the lungs, ribs, or other structures when the tube is inserted.
Allergic reaction: There is a risk of an allergic reaction to the antiseptic solutions or to the materials used to close the incision.
After-procedure
After the procedure, the patient will be taken to a recovery room, where they will be monitored for complications. The tube and drainage system will be left for several days and removed when the physician feels that the pleural cavity has been sufficiently drained. Visit our pulmonology hospital in Bangalore for the best treatment.
The patient may experience pain and discomfort after the procedure and will be given pain medication as needed. The patient will be encouraged to cough and deep breathe to help clear the lungs and prevent pneumonia. The patient will be monitored for any signs of infection and given antibiotics as needed.
The patient will be able to go home once the tube and drainage system has been removed and will be given instructions on caring for the incision. The patient must follow up with their physician to ensure that the pleural cavity has completely healed.
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