A chest tube is a flexible tube placed between the ribs into the space around the lung to remove air, fluid, pus or blood. It is used for a collapsed lung due to an air leak, fluid collections from pneumonia or injury, and bleeding in the chest. Children who arrive through 24/7 pediatric Emergency Care in Mumbai after an accident or a sudden breathing problem may need this procedure.

The child is given pain relief and sedation, and the skin is numbed. A small cut is made, and the tube is passed into the chest and secured. It is connected to a drainage system that lets air and fluid out and does not allow it back. A chest X-ray confirms the position, and the amount drained is recorded. The tube stays in until the lung has expanded and drainage has stopped, often for a few days.

How the Procedure Can Help

It relieves breathlessness, helps the lung re-expand and allows fluid or air to drain.

Risks and Considerations

Risks include pain, bleeding, injury to the lung or other organs, infection, a blocked tube and, rarely, swelling of the lung after rapid re-expansion. Sudden breathlessness, tube displacement or fever needs urgent attention.