Toxicon

Thoracostomy is a medical procedure that involves the insertion of a tube into the chest wall. It is primarily used to treat conditions that cause a buildup of air, fluid, or blood in the pleural space, which can impair breathing.

Indications[edit | edit source]

Thoracostomy is indicated in several conditions, including:

Pneumothorax: This is a condition where air accumulates in the pleural space, causing the lung to collapse.
Hemothorax: This is a condition where blood accumulates in the pleural space, often due to trauma or injury.
Pleural effusion: This is a condition where excess fluid builds up in the pleural space, often due to infection, inflammation, or cancer.
Empyema: This is a condition where pus accumulates in the pleural space, often due to pneumonia or surgery.

Procedure[edit | edit source]

The procedure is typically performed under local anesthesia. The patient is positioned on their side or sitting up. The doctor makes a small incision in the chest wall and inserts a tube into the pleural space. The tube is then connected to a drainage system to remove the air, fluid, or blood.

Risks and Complications[edit | edit source]

As with any medical procedure, there are potential risks and complications associated with thoracostomy. These may include:

Infection: This can occur if bacteria enter the pleural space during the procedure.
Bleeding: This can occur if a blood vessel is accidentally punctured during the procedure.
Lung injury: This can occur if the lung is accidentally punctured during the procedure.
Reexpansion pulmonary edema: This is a rare but serious condition that can occur if the lung reexpands too quickly after being collapsed.

See Also[edit | edit source]

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