Chest Drain Size: the Debate Continues

This article reviews the evidence for the treatment efficacy and potential adverse effects of different chest tube sizes.Recent findingsIn a large randomised study, the small difference in pain scores between large and small drains was not clinically significant. However, small-bore chest tubes commonly suffer from blockage or inadvertent removal, and may not be as effective in providing successful pleurodesis for malignant pleural effusions.SummaryAlthough they may be effective in managing pleural infection, and less painful than large drains, small bore drains may be less effective for pleurodesis.

http://link.springer.com/10.1007/s13665-017-0162-3

Source: Current Respiratory Care Reports - January 25, 2017 Category: Respiratory Medicine Source Type: research