pleuradränage

Pleuradrainage, also known as chest tube insertion or tube thoracostomy, is a medical procedure to remove air, fluid, or pus from the pleural space. The pleural space is the narrow area between the lungs and the chest wall. When this space fills with abnormal substances, it can cause the lung to collapse or impair breathing.

The procedure typically involves making a small incision in the chest wall, usually between the ribs. A flexible tube, known as a chest tube or drain, is then inserted through the incision into the pleural space. The other end of the tube is connected to a drainage system, which can be a water seal, a suction device, or both. This system allows the accumulated air or fluid to exit the body without re-entering the pleural space.

Pleuradrainage is commonly used to treat conditions such as pneumothorax (collapsed lung due to air in the pleural space), hemothorax (blood in the pleural space), pleural effusion (excess fluid in the pleural space), and empyema (pus in the pleural space). It can also be used after chest surgery to drain any residual fluid or air.

The chest tube is usually left in place until the condition it is treating has resolved, which can range from a few days to several weeks. Once the drainage has stopped and the lung has fully re-expanded, the tube is removed. While generally safe, potential complications can include pain, infection, bleeding, or injury to surrounding structures.