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Updated: Aug 6, 2026
05:50
International Expert Consensus and Recommendations for Neonatal Pneumothorax Ultrasound Diagnosis and Ultrasound-guided Thoracentesis Procedure
Published on: March 12, 2020
What happens when chest tubes are removed in children?
R R Morrison1, M S Kiker, V C Baum
1Departments of Pediatrics (Drs. Morrison and Baum), Surgery (Ms. Kiker), and Anesthesiology (Dr. Baum), the University of Virginia Medical Center, Charlottesville, Virginia.
Summary
Serious complications following pediatric chest tube removal are rare. Most issues are minor and immediately apparent, with younger children being more susceptible.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Surgery
- Thoracic Surgery
- Critical Care Medicine
Background:
- Chest tubes are commonly used in pediatric thoracic surgery.
- Understanding the risks associated with chest tube removal is crucial for patient safety.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the incidence, timing, and severity of complications after chest tube removal in children.
- To identify factors associated with these complications.
Main Methods:
- Prospective evaluation of 101 consecutive children undergoing thoracic surgery requiring chest tube placement.
- Monitoring for complications immediately after chest tube removal.
Main Results:
- 16 out of 120 chest tubes (13.3%) had positive findings post-removal.
- Only 6 of these required management changes, with 2 serious complications.
- Younger age was associated with complications; duration of tube placement was not.
- All serious complications were immediately evident.
Conclusions:
- Serious complications from pediatric chest tube removal are infrequent.
- Complications are typically identified immediately upon removal.
- Younger children may have a higher risk, warranting close observation.
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