Chest drain insertion

Intercostal Chest Drains

, March 09, 2004

Chest Trauma

Intercostal Chest Drains

Drainage of the pleural space by means of a chest tube is the commonest intervention in thoracic trauma, and provides definitive treatment in the majority of cases. While a relatively simple procedure, it carries a significant complication rate, reported as between 2% and 10%. While many of these complications are relatively minor, some require operative intervention and deaths still occur.