Thoracotomy versus Thoracostomy:
Thoracotomy is surgery that makes an incision to access the chest. It’s often done to remove part or all of a lung in people with lung cancer. Thoracostomy is a procedure that places a tube in the space between your lungs and chest wall (pleural space).
Thoracostomy – the procedure to put a chest tube in places.
Thoracostomy inserts a thin plastic tube into the space between the lungs and the chest wall. The doctor may attach the tube to a suction device to remove excess fluid or air. Or, the doctor may use it to deliver medication into the space to decrease the likelihood that fluid will accumulate. This is called pleurodesis.
Your doctor may use thoracostomy to treat pneumothorax, also known as collapsed lung.
Your doctor will tell you how to prepare if this is not an emergency, including any changes to your medication schedule. Tell them if there’s a possibility you are pregnant and discuss any recent illnesses, medical conditions, allergies, and medications you’re taking, including herbal supplements and aspirin. They may tell you to stop taking aspirin, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) or blood thinners several days prior to your procedure. Leave jewelry at home and wear loose, comfortable clothing. You may most likely need to change into a gown for the procedure.
Know the medical difference in the ending of these 2 terminologies above: ostomy or -stomy : surgically creating a hole (a new “mouth” or “stoma”, see List of -ostomies) -otomy or -tomy : surgical incision (see List of -otomies) -pexy : to fix or secure. -plasty : to modify or reshape (sometimes entails replacement with a prosthesis).
Chest Tube (s):
How a chest tube removes fluid, blood or air:
Fluid in the intrapleural space is affected by gravity and localizes in the lower portion of the lung cavity. Tubes placed in these positions drain blood and fluid. Frequently applying suction helps with this drainage.
Pneumothorax = Air in the lung through a hole
Hemothorax = Blood in the lung.
They are even used on animals:
Risk Factors getting a Chest Tube:
- Pain during insertion and after placement of chest tube: Although pain during insertion and mild discomfort after placement are common, your healthcare provider can help minimize these effects with pain medicines.
- Infection
- Improper placement
- Dislodged chest tube
- Collapsed lung after removal of chest tube
- Bleeding at the site of insertion