Therapy
Chest Drain
A chest drain is a tube placed between the ribs to remove air, fluid or blood from around the lung so it can expand properly.
Quick answer
Chest Drain: what it is, why it's done and what happens
A chest drain is a flexible tube inserted through the chest wall into the space around the lung (the pleural space) to drain air, fluid, pus or blood, allowing a collapsed or compressed lung to re-expand.
- Why it is done: It is used for a collapsed lung (pneumothorax), a build-up of fluid (pleural effusion), blood after injury or surgery, or infection (empyema) in the chest.
- What happens: Under local anaesthetic, the tube is inserted between the ribs, often guided by ultrasound, and connected to a drainage system.
What it is
A chest drain is a flexible tube inserted through the chest wall into the space around the lung (the pleural space) to drain air, fluid, pus or blood, allowing a collapsed or compressed lung to re-expand.
Why it is done
It is used for a collapsed lung (pneumothorax), a build-up of fluid (pleural effusion), blood after injury or surgery, or infection (empyema) in the chest.
What happens
Under local anaesthetic, the tube is inserted between the ribs, often guided by ultrasound, and connected to a drainage system. It stays in place until the air or fluid has drained and the lung has re-expanded.
Recovery
You stay in hospital while the drain is in, which can be from hours to several days. Once the lung has re-expanded and drainage has stopped, the tube is removed and the small wound heals over.
Good to know
Risks and things to consider
Risks include pain, bleeding, infection, and injury to the lung or nearby organs. The drain needs careful handling to work safely, and a check X-ray confirms the lung has re-expanded.
Education and reference only. This explains the procedure in general terms and is not medical advice. Your own care, risks and recovery will be explained by the team looking after you.
Answers
Chest Drain: frequently asked questions
Does having a chest drain put in hurt?
Local anaesthetic numbs the area, so you feel pressure rather than sharp pain during insertion. There may be some discomfort while the drain is in place, which pain relief helps.
How long does a chest drain stay in?
It stays until the air or fluid has drained and the lung has re-expanded, which can be anywhere from a day to several days depending on the problem.
Related
Other therapy
Sources
Where this is drawn from
- NHS — Tests and treatments
- NICE — procedure and treatment guidance
- Relevant Royal College / professional body
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