title: Advances in thoracostomy tube management.
abstract: This article summarizes several of the studies utilizing randomized trials or predetermined algorithms for chest tube management. The classification system, when to use wall suction, when to use water seal, and how to safely discharge patients by the fourth postoperative day-even with air leaks-are outlined.
authors.affiliation: Department of Surgery, Division of Cardio-Thoracic Surgery, University of Alabama at Birmingham, 1900 University Boulevard, THT Room 712, Birmingham, AL 35294, USA. Robert.Cerfolio@ccc.uab.edu
authors.forename: Robert James
authors.initials: RJ
authors.lastname: Cerfolio
mesh_terms: D000465:Algorithms; D015505:Chest Tubes; D006801:Humans; D011013:Pneumonectomy; D011182:Postoperative Care; D011183:Postoperative Complications / Q000517:prevention & control; D011656:Pulmonary Emphysema / Q000628:therapy; D016156:Respiratory Tract Fistula / Q000628:therapy; D013907:Thoracostomy / Q000295:instrumentation*