Tube Thoracostomy (TT) is a surgical procedure involving the insertion of a plastic tube into the patient’s pleural cavity with the purpose of evacuating the air or fluid contents that have abnormally accumulated in this space [1]. Chest tube insertion has been identified as part of a core set of skills needed in a physician’s repertoire when caring for an injured patient [2]. Iatrogenic injuries, traumatic injuries, as well as malignancy, are the likely clinical scenarios were tube thoracotomy may be required. The presentation of these clinical events can be classified into three broad categories: pneumothorax, hemothorax, and pleural effusion, all of which lead to the abnormal accumulation of air, blood, or lymphatic fluid within the pleural space, respectively.

This content is only available via PDF.