Chest Tube Insertion

Insertion of chest tube is a medical operation where a flexible tube is inserted into pleura (space between the lungs and the chest wall) to drain air, fluid, bleeding or pus. This assists the lungs to re-expand and regains the normal breathing mechanics.

Chest Tube Insertion Procedure

Preparation:

• Describing the process and asking permission.
• Support the patient: traditionally lying on his back or in 30-45 degree semi-recumbent position, with his arm elevated above his head on the side with the injury.
• Clean and use local anaesthesia.

Site Selection:

• Mid-axillary line, which is usually the 5th intercostal space.
• Avoid neurovascular bundle (under each rib)

Insertion Steps:

• Halve or three quarters cm incision made above the rib.
• Incise through subcutaneous tissue to pleura with curved clamp bluntly.
• Puncture the pleura.
• Insert chest tube towards apex in case of pneumothorax or towards the back in case of fluid.
• Attach tube to drainage system water seal.
• Suture and use a sterile dressing on tube.

Confirmation:

• Clinical: drainage of air or fluid, better breathing and easier breathing.
• Radiological: X-ray of the chest to ascertain proper tube location.

Post-Procedure Care

• Check oxygen saturation and vital signs.
• Periodically check outputs of drainage and tube patency.
• Chest X-rays to check the expansion of lungs every day.
• When lung has re-expansion and minimal drainage, then remove tube.

Chest Tube Insertion Indications

The insertion of chest tubes is normally done to address conditions such as:

• Pneumothorax (air in the pleural space) -traumatic or spontaneous.
• Hemothorax (blood in the pleura)
• Pleural effusion (fluid in the pleura)
• Empyema (pus in the pleural space)
• Post-thoracic surgery (to avoid the build-up of fluid or air)

Chest Tube Insertion Recovery Time

The time required to recover after inserting a chest tube is dependent on the underlying disease of treatment, general health and the ability of the lungs to re-expand. Here’s a detailed overview:

Immediate Recovery

• Following the procedure patients can remain in the hospital until the air, fluid, or blood being drained is fully passed and in this case the number of days can be 1-7.
• Suffering and pain in the area of insertion is a common as well as typically treated with pain medication.
• The breathing exercises are promoted to avoid such complications as pneumonia.

Tube Removal

• Chest tube is most often discharged when lung is completely enlarged and the drainage is reduced.
• The removal per se is fast and normally results in a slight pain or slight coughing.

Full Recovery

• Small cases (such as small pneumothorax): the recovery can be time-taking (a few days).
• More serious (such as massive hemothorax, empyema or after surgery): it can take between 2-6 weeks to recover.
• Most patients are usually cautioned not to think of heavy lifting and strenuous activity until they are completely healed.

Follow-Up

• Chest X-rays are commonly conducted following removal in order to verify that the lung is not narrowed.
• Frequent monitoring assists in the detection of any repeat of air or fluid build-up.

Chest Tube Insertion Success Rate

The success rate of chest tube insertion (tube thoracostomy) is usually high, and it is determined by the condition under treatment and the health condition of the patient. The following is a finer elaboration:

Overall Success Rate

• The successful drainage of air, blood, or fluid and re-expansion of the lung are defined as success.
• Research indicates that most indications are 80 and 95% successful especially in pneumothorax and pleural effusions.

Factors Affecting Chest Tube Insertion Cost

The price of the chest tube insertion (tube thoracostomy), in India, may depend greatly on a number of factors, among which is the nature of the healthcare institution, the geographical area, or the particular patient requirements. The important factors affecting the price include:

Healthcare Facility Type:

• Private Hospitals: These are usually costly because they include high infrastructure and facilities.

Geographic Location:

• Metropolitan cities such as Delhi, Mumbai, and Chennai are likely to be expensive than small towns.

Surgeon’s Expertise:

• Surgeons who are very experienced or specialized are likely to have high consultation cost.

Diagnostic and Hospitalization Charges:

• The cost can be increased by pre-procedure diagnostics (e.g., X-rays, blood tests) and post-procedure hospitalization.

Type of Procedure:

• Less invasive procedures such as Video-Assisted Thoracoscopic Surgery (VATS) can be even more expensive since they require specialized equipment.

Best Hospital for Chest Tube Insertion

• Artemis Hospital, Gurgaon
• Medanta-The Medicity, Gurgaon
• Fortis Memorial Research Institute, Gurgaon
• Max Hospital, Saket

Conclusion

Chest tube insertion (also known as Tube thoracostomy) is an emergency procedure that involves tube removal of air, blood, or fluid in the pleural space, which causes the lungs to re and recovers normal breathing. It is very efficient, and the success rate of it is 80-95 percent, in particular with experienced clinicians. The time taken to recover is dependent on the underlying disorder, which normally takes several days to a few weeks with the most successful recovery being monitored in a hospital and followed up. Although complications are uncommon, it is possible to reduce risks by exercises of special care and after-effective post-procedural treatment. In general, the insertion of chest tubes is a life-saving procedure to treat such conditions as pneumothorax, hemothorax, pleural effusion, and empyema and offer a quick solution to the problem and allow full lung functioning.

Why Choose GetWellGo for Chest Tube Insertion Treatment?

GetWellGo is regarded as a leading supplier of healthcare services. We help our foreign clients choose the best treatment locations that suit their needs both financially and medically.

We offer:

• Complete transparency
• Fair costs.
• 24 hour availability.
• Medical E-visas
• Online consultation from recognized Indian experts.
• Assistance in selecting India's top hospitals for Chest Tube Insertion treatment.
• Expert pulmonologist/cardiothoracic surgeon with a strong track record of success
• Assistance during and after the course of treatment.
• Language Support
• Travel and Accommodation Services
• Case manager assigned to every patient to provide seamless support in and out of the hospital like appointment booking
• Local SIM Cards
• Currency Exchange
• Arranging Patient’s local food

FAQ

1. Is chest tube insertion painful?

• It is normal when there is some pain or discomfort, particularly when the tube is being inserted or when the tube is within. The pain is normally treated using medication.

2. What is the duration of the stay of the chest tube?

It depends on the condition:

• Cases of minor scale: a few hours up to a day.
• Severe cases: a few days, even a week and more.

3. Is it possible to discharge the patient with a chest tube?

• In other instances, patients can be discharged with a chest tube in case they are still draining, but this should be closely monitored and followed up.