Role of small calibre chest tube drainage for iatrogenic pneumothorax.
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.
Laub
M
M
Department of Pulmonary Medicine, Gentofte Hospital, University of Copenhagen, Denmark.
Milman
N
N
Müller
D
D
Struve-Christensen
E
E
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D001706:Biopsy / Q000009:adverse effects; D002406:Catheterization, Peripheral / Q000295:instrumentation; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007049:Iatrogenic Disease; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011030:Pneumothorax / Q000209:etiology / Q000601:surgery*; D013396:Suction / Q000295:instrumentation*