Introduction
Operation Notes for Chest Tube Insertion: Chest tube insertion, also known as tube thoracostomy, is a surgical procedure performed to drain fluid, blood, or air from the pleural space, the area between the lung and the chest wall. This procedure is commonly used in conditions such as pneumothorax (accumulation of air in the pleural space), hemothorax (accumulation of blood), pleural effusion (build-up of fluid), or to drain post-operative collections.
Date: [Current Date]
Patient: [Patient’s Name]
Surgeon: [Surgeon’s Name]
Procedure: Chest Tube Insertion
Procedure
- Positioning:
- The patient was positioned in a semi-sitting position.
- Skin Preparation:
- The area over the site of insertion was prepared and draped in a sterile fashion.
- Local Anesthesia:
- The area for chest tube insertion, usually the fourth or fifth intercostal space at the midaxillary line, was infiltrated with a local anesthetic.
- Incision:
- A small incision was made at the selected site.
- Dissection:
- Blunt dissection was performed through the subcutaneous tissues down to the intercostal muscles.
- Chest Tube Insertion:
- A chest tube was inserted through the incision, directed upwards for air or downwards for fluid.
- Tube Securing:
- The tube was secured in place with sutures and an occlusive dressing was applied around the site.
- Tube Connection:
- The chest tube was then connected to a water-seal drainage system and the system was checked to confirm it was functioning correctly.
- Post-procedure Imaging:
- A chest x-ray was performed post-procedure to confirm the correct positioning of the chest tube and evaluate the lung status.
Postoperative Plan: [As Suggested by Surgeon]
