When is a thoracostomy tube generally used?
A thoracostomy tube is usually placed for drainage of air (pneumothorax), particularly when persistent (i.e., with a bronchopleural fistula), large, increasing, or symptomatic (i.e., under tension). Thoracostomy tubes are also placed for drainage of fluid (pleural effusion), blood (hemothorax), chylous fluid (chylothorax), or pus (empyema) from the pleural space. They are also sometimes placed for drainage of a lung abscess.
