Chest tubes are commonly used to drain fluid following surgery involving the pleural space. Removal can be considered when there is no empyema or air leak, and fluid drainage has decreased to an acceptable level. Patients are rarely discharged from the hospital with a chest tube, so earlier removal could result in shorter hospital stays.
Patients who undergo open thoracotomy and routine chest tube placement were randomly assigned to chest tube removal at an uninfected chest tube drainage volume of fewer than 200 mL per day, less than 150 mL per day, or less than 100 mL per day.
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According to the surgeons, a daily drainage threshold of 200mL for chest tube extraction in patients with normal pleural fluid levels and no evidence of air leaks could be used. This would reduce costs and prolong hospital stays. To evaluate the possibility of removing chest tubes at a higher volume per day, further studies are needed.
The chest tube is usually left in place until all blood, fluid, or air has been drained from the chest and your lungs have fully expanded. It is very easy to take the tube out if it is not needed.
A chest tube may be inserted for some people who are able to see clearly with x-rays, computerized imaging (CT), and ultrasound. A chest tube may be placed if you are undergoing major heart or lung surgery.