Open AccessThoracostomy tubes: A comprehensive review of complications and related topics
Author(s) -
StanislawP Stawicki,
StanislawP Stawicki,
Michael Kwiatt,
Abigail Tarbox,
MarkJ. Seamon,
Mamta Swaroop,
James Cipolla,
Charles Allen,
Stacinoel Hallenbeck,
H. Tracy Davido,
DavidE. Lindsey,
VijayA. Doraiswamy,
Sagar Galwankar,
David B. Tulman,
Nicholas Latchana,
ThomasJ. Papadimos,
CharlesH. Cook,
Michael Kwiatt,
Abigail Tarbox,
MarkJ. Seamon,
Mamta Swaroop,
James Cipolla,
Charles Allen,
Stacinoel Hallenbeck,
H. Tracy Davido,
DavidE. Lindsey,
VijayA. Doraiswamy,
Sagar Galwankar,
David B. Tulman,
Nicholas Latchana,
ThomasJ. Papadimos,
CharlesH. Cook
Publication year - 2014
Publication title -
international journal of critical illness and injury science
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.274
H-Index - 12
eISSN - 2231-5004
pISSN - 2229-5151
DOI - 10.4103/2229-5151.134182
Subject(s) - medicine , thoracostomy , pneumothorax , intensive care medicine , surgery , general surgery , chest tube , fistula
Tube thoracostomy (TT) placement belongs among the most commonly performed procedures. Despite many benefits of TT drainage, potential for significant morbidity and mortality exists. Abdominal or thoracic injury, fistula formation and vascular trauma are among the most serious, but more common complications such as recurrent pneumothorax, insertion site infection and nonfunctioning or malpositioned TT also represent a significant source of morbidity and treatment cost. Awareness of potential complications and familiarity with associated preventive, diagnostic and treatment strategies are fundamental to satisfactory patient outcomes. This review focuses on chest tube complications and related topics, with emphasis on prevention and problem-oriented approaches to diagnosis and treatment. The authors hope that this manuscript will serve as a valuable foundation for those who wish to become adept at the management of chest tubes.