R Durai1, Ph C H Ng. 1. Department of Surgery, University Hospital Lewisham, London. dr_durai@yahoo.com
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Not many juniors get several opportunities to perform chest drains. It can be difficult to insert a chest drain perfectly in distressed patients with pneumothorax or pleural effusion under local anaesthesia. METHOD: This article provides various practical tips for junior trainees for inserting chest drains perfectly, based upon the experience of the authors and published literature. DISCUSSION: Correct positioning, enough local anaesthetic into the right space, the use of a needle to locate both anaesthetised skin and the intercostal space and knowing the depth of the pleural cavity and the purpose of insertion all may help to insert a chest drain perfectly.
BACKGROUND: Not many juniors get several opportunities to perform chest drains. It can be difficult to insert a chest drain perfectly in distressed patients with pneumothorax or pleural effusion under local anaesthesia. METHOD: This article provides various practical tips for junior trainees for inserting chest drains perfectly, based upon the experience of the authors and published literature. DISCUSSION: Correct positioning, enough local anaesthetic into the right space, the use of a needle to locate both anaesthetised skin and the intercostal space and knowing the depth of the pleural cavity and the purpose of insertion all may help to insert a chest drain perfectly.