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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. It is used to remove air (pneumothorax[2]) or fluid (pleural effusion, blood, chyle), or pus (empyema) from the intrathoracic space. It is also known as a bülau drain or an intercostal catheter.
Dr. David Rosenfeld reviewed this
29 year experience in Pain Management
Related questions
A 30-year old asked:
Does a chest tube hurt?
3 doctor answers • 6 doctors weighed in
A 32-year old asked:
Chest tube removal hurt?
2 doctor answers • 5 doctors weighed in
A 50-year old asked:
What is a chest tube used for?
2 doctor answers • 10 doctors weighed in
A 48-year old asked:
How long does a chest tube stay in for?
1 doctor answer • 1 doctor weighed in
A 29-year old asked:
Does it hurt when you remove a chest tube?
2 doctor answers • 8 doctors weighed in
A 37-year old asked:
How long does pain last after a chest tube?
1 doctor answer • 1 doctor weighed in
A 29-year old male asked:
What is the definition or description of: chest tube?
1 doctor answer • 1 doctor weighed in
A 35-year old asked:
When should a chest tube be removed during the ventillatory cycle?
2 doctor answers • 3 doctors weighed in
A 20-year old female asked:
Should i leave my chest tube wound open or taped up even if its still hasn't really closed up?
1 doctor answer • 3 doctors weighed in
A 34-year old asked:
I have left my chest tube wound open over night to help heal its been 3.5 weeks it's so painful underneath when will I feel better?
2 doctor answers • 5 doctors weighed in
A 34-year old asked:
I have my chest tube wound its been three weeks it's still painfull around the area it's oozy but not smelly should it be started to heal abit better?
2 doctor answers • 4 doctors weighed in
A 24-year old male asked:
I was told to keep my bandage over my chest tube hole clean and dry for 3 days. What should I do after those 3 days? Change the dressing or remove it?
1 doctor answer • 4 doctors weighed in
A 33-year old female asked:
Chest pain after chest tube removal?
1 doctor answer • 1 doctor weighed in
A 38-year old asked:
How is a chest tube inserted? Does it hurt?
3 doctor answers • 9 doctors weighed in
A 41-year old asked:
How does chest tube obstruction of the patient happen?
1 doctor answer • 1 doctor weighed in
A 29-year old asked:
Can I take a shower after having a ?Chest tube removed?
1 doctor answer • 1 doctor weighed in
A member asked:
I broke two ribs and had to have a chest tube also and I'm still in pain after two weeks?
1 doctor answer • 1 doctor weighed in
A member asked about a female:
My daughter had a chest tube at 2 years of age. (2004) she is now 13 and having pain around the scare.
2 doctor answers • 5 doctors weighed in
A 39-year old asked:
Does a chest tube leave a big scar?
2 doctor answers • 10 doctors weighed in
A 45-year old asked:
What are the effects of a chest tube insertion?
2 doctor answers • 4 doctors weighed in
A 35-year old asked:
How long would a chest tube stay in pneumothorax?
1 doctor answer • 5 doctors weighed in
A 35-year old asked:
My chest tube scar is still so painfull why is this?
4 doctor answers • 4 doctors weighed in
A 43-year old asked:
What is and how would a procedure called chest tube drainage be handled?
1 doctor answer • 3 doctors weighed in
A 43-year old female asked:
How easy is it to get a chest tube scar flattened? I had ohs when i was 8 and I am now 43
2 doctor answers • 3 doctors weighed in
A 40-year old asked:
How long do you have to stay in the hospital after having a chest tube thoracostomy?
2 doctor answers • 4 doctors weighed in
A 39-year old female asked:
Doc....Normally for how long it will stay the chest tube to the patient and is there a chance of surviving?
1 doctor answer • 1 doctor weighed in
A 40-year old asked:
If had a chest tube placed in the ER a few days ago can I fly on a commercial airliner?
2 doctor answers • 4 doctors weighed in
A 33-year old female asked:
I have colapsed lung with chest tube. If i chose to remove tube and lung isnt inflated what will thr consquences be?
1 doctor answer • 1 doctor weighed in
A 46-year old asked:
What color is the drainage from a chest tube with a a pleural effusion?
5 doctor answers • 11 doctors weighed in
A 62-year old female asked:
Vats done on right middle lobe Jan. 15/15. Moderate pneumothorax. Chest tube still in place Jan. 29. Should I be concerned?
1 doctor answer • 2 doctors weighed in
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