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→‎Technique: more comprehensive technique and somewhat separated drain insertion as that is different from thoracostomy.
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A '''thoracostomy''' is a small incision of the [[Thoracic wall|chest wall]], with maintenance of the opening for [[Drainage (medical)|drainage]].<ref>{{cite book| vauthors = Dorland WA |title=Dorland's Pocket Medical Dictionary. |date=2009 |publisher=Saunders/Elsevier |location=Philadelphia, PA |isbn=978-1-4160-3420-9 |edition=28t }}</ref> It is most commonly used for the treatment of a [[pneumothorax]]. This is performed by physicians, paramedics, and nurses usually via [[Thoracentesis|needle thoracostomy]] or an incision into the chest wall with the insertion of a [[thoracostomy tube]] (chest tube) or with a hemostat and the provider's finger (finger thorocostomy),<ref>{{cite journal | vauthors = Karrer A, Cosper J, Monroe BJ, Escott ME, Kimmel K, Gleisberg GR | title = Simple Thoracostomy: Moving Beyond Needle Decompression in Traumatic Cardiac Arrest | journal = Journal of Emergency Medical Services (JEMS) | date = 28 March 2014 | url = https://www.jems.com/2014/03/28/simple-thoracostomy-moving-beyond-needle/}}</ref>
A '''thoracostomy''' is a small incision of the [[Thoracic wall|chest wall]],<ref name=":0">{{Citation |title=9 UPCC Inverness Thoracostomy |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3ES8x2PQhqA |access-date=2023-04-25 |language=en}}</ref> with maintenance of the opening for [[Drainage (medical)|drainage]].<ref>{{cite book| vauthors = Dorland WA |title=Dorland's Pocket Medical Dictionary. |date=2009 |publisher=Saunders/Elsevier |location=Philadelphia, PA |isbn=978-1-4160-3420-9 |edition=28t }}</ref> It is most commonly used for the treatment of a [[pneumothorax]]. This is performed by physicians, paramedics, and nurses usually via [[Thoracentesis|needle thoracostomy]] or an incision into the chest wall with the insertion of a [[thoracostomy tube]] (chest tube) or with a hemostat and the provider's finger (finger thorocostomy),<ref>{{cite journal | vauthors = Karrer A, Cosper J, Monroe BJ, Escott ME, Kimmel K, Gleisberg GR | title = Simple Thoracostomy: Moving Beyond Needle Decompression in Traumatic Cardiac Arrest | journal = Journal of Emergency Medical Services (JEMS) | date = 28 March 2014 | url = https://www.jems.com/2014/03/28/simple-thoracostomy-moving-beyond-needle/}}</ref>


A thoracostomy is often confused with [[thoracotomy]], which is a larger incision commonly used to gain access to organs within the chest.
A thoracostomy is often confused with [[thoracotomy]], which is a larger incision commonly used to gain access to organs within the chest.


== Medical uses ==
== Medical uses ==
When air, blood, or other fluids accumulate in the [[pleural cavity]] it may be drained by thoracostomy. Whereas air in this space ([[pneumothorax]]) may be released by [[needle thoracostomy]], other substances require drainage with a [[thoracostomy tube]].<ref name=Tintinalli>{{cite book | vauthors = Nicks BA, Manthey D | chapter = Pneumothorax | veditors = Tintinalli JE, Stapczynski JS | title = Tintinalli's Emergency Medicine |year = 2011 |publisher = McGraw-Hill |location = New York City | isbn = 978-0-07-174467-6 }}</ref>
When air, blood, or other fluids accumulate in the [[pleural cavity]] it may be drained by thoracostomy.<ref name=":0" /> Whereas air in this space ([[pneumothorax]]) may be released by [[needle thoracostomy]], other substances require drainage with a [[thoracostomy tube]].<ref name=Tintinalli>{{cite book | vauthors = Nicks BA, Manthey D | chapter = Pneumothorax | veditors = Tintinalli JE, Stapczynski JS | title = Tintinalli's Emergency Medicine |year = 2011 |publisher = McGraw-Hill |location = New York City | isbn = 978-0-07-174467-6 }}</ref>


== Contra-indications ==
== Contra-indications ==
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== Technique ==
== Technique ==
A primary skin incision is made superiorly to the rib to avoid the neurovascular supply that runs inferiorly to the rib. The surgeon will tunnel through the subcutaneous tissue and muscle to penetrate the pleural cavity. This cavity is where a hemothorax or pneumothorax would accumulate. Confirmation of being in the pleural cavity is done and the chest tube is placed. The chest tube is then connected to a Pleur-evac for continuous drainage. A Roman sandal tie and U-Stitch are done to secure the chest tube and to ensure that removal of the tube will not produce another pneumothorax. Chest x-ray is performed post-procedure to confirm placement and to check for resolution of the pneumothorax/hemothorax.<ref>{{cite journal | vauthors = Bishop E, Bendix P, Boyle R | title = Left Tube Thoracostomy for Pneumothorax. | journal = Journal of Medical Insight | date = 2020 | url = https://jomi.com/article/299.2 }}</ref>
The standard location for thoracostomy is the triangle of safety. This is an anatomical triangle. The borders of which are; the anterior border of the [[Latissimus dorsi muscle|latissimus dorsi]], the lateral border of the [[Pectoralis major|pectoralis major muscle]], a line superior to the horizontal level of the [[nipple]] (or 5th intercostal space), with the apex being below, or at, the [[axilla]].<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://academic.oup.com/pmj/article/81/957/456/7032213 |access-date=2023-04-25 |website=academic.oup.com |doi=10.1136/pgmj.2004.024752 |pmc=PMC1743306 |pmid=15998822}}</ref> A primary skin incision is made superiorly to the rib to avoid the neurovascular supply that runs inferiorly to the rib.<ref name=":0" /> This should be around 4-5cm long.<ref name=":0" /> The clinician will tunnel through the subcutaneous tissue and muscle using forceps to reach the pleural.<ref name=":0" /> Further blunt dissection is used to carefully penetrate the pleural cavity. A finger is then inserted into this hole, the finger is swept to feel for lung adhesions to the rib cage and to feel for an inflating lung.<ref name=":0" /> This cavity is where a hemothorax or pneumothorax would accumulate. A finger thoracostomy as described here can be the first step in inserting an intercostal chest drain. At this point, a chest tube can be inserted and connected to a a one way wale to allow continuous drainage. A Roman sandal tie and U-Stitch are done to secure the chest tube and to ensure that removal of the tube will not produce another pneumothorax. Chest x-ray is performed post-procedure to confirm placement and to check for resolution of the pneumothorax/hemothorax.<ref>{{cite journal | vauthors = Bishop E, Bendix P, Boyle R | title = Left Tube Thoracostomy for Pneumothorax. | journal = Journal of Medical Insight | date = 2020 | url = https://jomi.com/article/299.2 }}</ref>

Chest tubes are designed to collect this drainage and prevent anything from leaking back into the pleural space. This is accomplished by a [[check valve]], usually part of a specialized drainage system with an underwater seal. Depending on the amount of air/fluid to be drained, the collection bottle may need to be periodically changed.<ref name=Tintinalli />


== Risks/complications ==
== Risks/complications ==

Revision as of 17:08, 25 April 2023

Thoracostomy
A tube thoracostomy unit
SpecialtyPulmonology
ICD-10-PCSZ46.82
MeSHD006468
MedlinePlus002947
eMedicine80678

A thoracostomy is a small incision of the chest wall,[1] with maintenance of the opening for drainage.[2] It is most commonly used for the treatment of a pneumothorax. This is performed by physicians, paramedics, and nurses usually via needle thoracostomy or an incision into the chest wall with the insertion of a thoracostomy tube (chest tube) or with a hemostat and the provider's finger (finger thorocostomy),[3]

A thoracostomy is often confused with thoracotomy, which is a larger incision commonly used to gain access to organs within the chest.

Medical uses

When air, blood, or other fluids accumulate in the pleural cavity it may be drained by thoracostomy.[1] Whereas air in this space (pneumothorax) may be released by needle thoracostomy, other substances require drainage with a thoracostomy tube.[4]

Contra-indications

There are no absolute contraindications to thoracostomy. There are relative contraindications (such as coagulopathies); however, in an emergency setting these are outweighed by the necessity to re-inflate a collapsed lung by draining fluid/air from the space around the lung.[4]

Technique

The standard location for thoracostomy is the triangle of safety. This is an anatomical triangle. The borders of which are; the anterior border of the latissimus dorsi, the lateral border of the pectoralis major muscle, a line superior to the horizontal level of the nipple (or 5th intercostal space), with the apex being below, or at, the axilla.[5] A primary skin incision is made superiorly to the rib to avoid the neurovascular supply that runs inferiorly to the rib.[1] This should be around 4-5cm long.[1] The clinician will tunnel through the subcutaneous tissue and muscle using forceps to reach the pleural.[1] Further blunt dissection is used to carefully penetrate the pleural cavity. A finger is then inserted into this hole, the finger is swept to feel for lung adhesions to the rib cage and to feel for an inflating lung.[1] This cavity is where a hemothorax or pneumothorax would accumulate. A finger thoracostomy as described here can be the first step in inserting an intercostal chest drain. At this point, a chest tube can be inserted and connected to a a one way wale to allow continuous drainage. A Roman sandal tie and U-Stitch are done to secure the chest tube and to ensure that removal of the tube will not produce another pneumothorax. Chest x-ray is performed post-procedure to confirm placement and to check for resolution of the pneumothorax/hemothorax.[6]

Risks/complications

Rare complications are mostly due to placement technique, inexperience of the interventionist, and emergent vs. elective circumstances. The most common complications are recurrent pneumothorax (incomplete recovery, but an expected course), infection, and organ injury (due to mechanical damage).[7][8]

Esophageal injury is rare. If saliva and chyme contents drain from the chest tube, that should raise suspicion of esophageal injury. The main treatment of esophageal injury is surgical repair. The stomach is also rarely injured. Proper technique and not using a trocar during the procedure decreases the risk of this from occurring.[7]

See also

References

  1. ^ a b c d e f 9 UPCC Inverness Thoracostomy, retrieved 2023-04-25
  2. ^ Dorland WA (2009). Dorland's Pocket Medical Dictionary (28t ed.). Philadelphia, PA: Saunders/Elsevier. ISBN 978-1-4160-3420-9.
  3. ^ Karrer A, Cosper J, Monroe BJ, Escott ME, Kimmel K, Gleisberg GR (28 March 2014). "Simple Thoracostomy: Moving Beyond Needle Decompression in Traumatic Cardiac Arrest". Journal of Emergency Medical Services (JEMS).
  4. ^ a b Nicks BA, Manthey D (2011). "Pneumothorax". In Tintinalli JE, Stapczynski JS (eds.). Tintinalli's Emergency Medicine. New York City: McGraw-Hill. ISBN 978-0-07-174467-6.
  5. ^ academic.oup.com. doi:10.1136/pgmj.2004.024752. PMC 1743306. PMID 15998822 https://academic.oup.com/pmj/article/81/957/456/7032213. Retrieved 2023-04-25. {{cite web}}: Missing or empty |title= (help)CS1 maint: PMC format (link)
  6. ^ Bishop E, Bendix P, Boyle R (2020). "Left Tube Thoracostomy for Pneumothorax". Journal of Medical Insight.
  7. ^ a b Kwiatt M, Tarbox A, Seamon MJ, Swaroop M, Cipolla J, Allen C, et al. (April 2014). "Thoracostomy tubes: A comprehensive review of complications and related topics". International Journal of Critical Illness and Injury Science. 4 (2): 143–155. doi:10.4103/2229-5151.134182. PMC 4093965. PMID 25024942.{{cite journal}}: CS1 maint: unflagged free DOI (link)
  8. ^ Mohrsen S, McMahon N, Corfield A, McKee S (December 2021). "Complications associated with pre-hospital open thoracostomies: a rapid review". Scandinavian Journal of Trauma, Resuscitation and Emergency Medicine. 29 (1): 166. doi:10.1186/s13049-021-00976-1. PMC 8643006. PMID 34863280.{{cite journal}}: CS1 maint: unflagged free DOI (link)