Lung Surgery: Chest Tube

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Side view of person, showing lung in chest and placement of chest tube at side.

After lung surgery, one or more chest tubes are used to drain fluid and blood out of the chest cavity. The chest tubes also help the lungs refill with air.

Current as of: November 14, 2022

Author: Healthwise Staff
Medical Review:
E. Gregory Thompson MD - Internal Medicine
Adam Husney MD - Family Medicine
David C. Stuesse MD - Cardiac and Thoracic Surgery

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