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Chest tube insertion

• Overview
• Recovery
• Risks

Alternative Names:

Chest drainage tube insertion; Insertion of tube into chest; Tube thoracostomy

Expectations after surgery:

Most people completely recover from the chest tube insertion and removal. There is only a small scar.

Convalescence:

You will stay in the hospital until the chest tube is removed. While the chest tube is in place, the nursing staff will carefully check for possible air leaks, breathing difficulties, and the need for additional oxygen. You'll need to breathe deeply and cough often to help re-expand the lung, assist with drainage, and prevent fluids from collecting in the lungs.

• Review Date: 5/3/2007
• Reviewed By: Robert A. Cowles, M.D., Assistant Professor of Surgery, Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons, New York, NY. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

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