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How Thoracostomy Is Done?

Marcus Vance • • 7 min read
How Thoracostomy Is Done?

Thoracostomy is a minimally invasive procedure in which a doctor inserts a thin plastic tube into the pleural space

pleural space
pleural space. Also called pleural cavity. The cavity that exists between the lungs and underneath the chest wall. It is normally empty, with the lung immediately against the inside of the chest wall. In some diseases, fluid can build up in this space (a pleural effusion).
— the area between the chest wall and lungs. They may attach the tube to a suction device to remove excess fluid or air. Or, they may use the chest tube
chest tube
A chest tube (chest drain, thoracic catheter, tube thoracostomy, or intercostal drain) is a flexible plastic tube that is inserted through the chest wall and into the pleural space or mediastinum.
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to deliver medications into the pleural space.

Where is a thoracostomy performed?

Tube thoracostomy is a common procedure in which a thoracostomy tube or catheter is placed through the chest wall into the pleural cavity to either drain an indication (eg, pneumothorax, hemothorax, effusion, empyema) or instill medication (eg, talc, doxycycline, fibrinolytic agent).

Is Thoracostomy tube painful?

Pain during placement: Chest tube insertion is usually very painful. Your doctor will help manage your pain by injecting an anesthetic through an IV or directly into the chest tube site. You'll be given either general anesthesia, which puts you to sleep, or local anesthesia, which numbs the area.

Marcus Vance
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Marcus Vance

Marcus Vance is a cybersecurity auditor and technology writer dedicated to educating the public about online safety, data privacy regulations, enterprise security, and emerging cyber threats.