Title: Tube Thoracostomy Using ‘Soft’ Thoracoport, a Novel Technique in the Placement of Intercostal Drains

Authors: Sreejayan M.P, Arun.S, M.D. Krishna Narayanan

 DOI:  http://dx.doi.org/10.18535/jmscr/v4i9.76

Abstract

Tube thoracostomy refers to the placement of a drainage tube into the pleural cavity [1]. The procedure is commonly performed in an emergent and non emergent fashion, constituting a basic surgical bedside procedure that most practitioners are familiar with. Of paramount importance is, the fact that most thoracic injuries may be effectively treated with tube thoracostomy and simple fluid resuscitation [2, 3]. In this study we offer a novel technique for the insertion of chest tubes utilizing Thoracoport (thoracic port used for thoracoscopy) which may be far superior to the conventional method. Thoracoport has a trocar with a blunt tip and a cannula which can be easily administered and needs only minimal technical skill and expertise.  The insertion is rapid without wasting undue amount of time dissecting the intercostals space as in the ‘open’ technique. There is literally no need of any assistance from a second person. The smaller incision and the absence of blunt dissection causes only minimal post procedure wound related complications.

Keywords: Thoracoport, chest tube, tube thoracostomy, intercostal drainage.

References

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3.      Meyer DM. Hemothorax related to trauma. Thorac Surg Clin. Feb 2007;17(1):47-55

4.      Laws, D. "BTS guidelines for the insertion of a chest drain". Thorax 58 (90002): 53ii–59

5.      http://www.up.ac.za/academic/medicine/anatomy/current/ecp/ecpst05e.html

6.      John, M., et al. (2014). "Is the trocar technique for tube thoracostomy safe in the current era?" Interact Cardiovasc Thorac Surg 19(1): 125-128.

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Corresponding Author

Dr Arun.S

Assistant Professor Dept of General Surgery

Government Medical College Kozhikode, Kerala, India

Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it., Mobile number:+919847420603