Tube Thoracostomy (Chest Tube) Removal in Traumatic Patients: What Do We Know? What Can We Do?

• Published in: Bulletin of Emergency and Trauma
• Main Authors: Shahram Paydar, Zahra Ghahramani, Hamed Ghoddusi Johari, Samad Khezri, Bizhan Ziaeian, Mohammad Ali Ghayyoumi, Mohammad Javad Fallahi, Mohammad Hadi Niakan, Golnar Sabetian, Hamid Reza Abbasi, Shahram Bolandparvaz
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: Shiraz University of Medical Sciences 2015-04-01
• Subjects: Tube Thoracostomy Removal; Chest Tube (CT); Traumatic patients
• Online Access: http://beat.sums.ac.ir/article_44283_81351cce1e5bb6a6fa2a931afd705360.pdf

Chest tube (CT) or tube thoracostomy placement is often indicated following traumatic injuries. Premature movement of the chest tube leads to increased hospital complications and costs for patients. Placement of a chest tube is indicated in drainage of blood, bile, pus, drain air, and other fluids. Although there is a general agreement for the placement of a chest tube, there is little consensus on the subsequent management. Chest tube removal in trauma patients increases morbidity and hospital expense if not done at the right time. A review of relevant literature showed that the best answers to some questions about time and decision-making have been long sought. Issues discussed in this manuscript include chest tube removal conditions, the need for chest radiography before and after chest tuberemoval, the need to clamp the chest tube prior to removal, and drainage rate and acceptability prior to removal.