Role of small calibre chest tube drainage for iatrogenic pneumothorax. Issue 10 (October 1990)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Laub, M; Milman, N; Müller, D; Struve-Christensen, E
• Is Part Of: Thorax. Volume 45:Issue 10(1990)
• Page Start: 748
• Page End: 749
• Publication Date: 1990-10
• Subjects: Chest -- Diseases -- Periodicals; Thorax; Chest -- Diseases; Periodicals; Periodicals; 617.54
• DOI: 10.1136/thx.45.10.748
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0040-6376

Abstract

Abstract : A 2 mm Teflon catheter was used as a chest tube in 28 patients with iatrogenic pneumothorax. Frequent aspirations through the catheter were performed in 16 of the patients. In the remaining 12 patients the catheter was connected to a one way flutter valve. The treatment was successful in 27 of the 28 patients--one patient required a large calibre chest tube. The mean drainage time was 48 hours. The small catheter technique is superior to the use of a large intercostal drain as it is much less traumatic and troublesome. The small calibre chest tube with a one way valve is recommended as a safe and easy technique.