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Percutaneous removal of thoracostomy tubes
L H Monsein1, J R Woodside, J S Dhillon
1Department of Radiology, University of New Mexico School of Medicine, Albuquerque 87131.
Radiology
|December 1, 1987
Summary
Minimally invasive percutaneous techniques successfully removed two fully retracted thoracostomy tubes from within the chest cavity. This approach adapted methods from percutaneous nephrolithotomy for safe and effective thoracic tube retrieval.
Area of Science:
- Thoracic Surgery
- Minimally Invasive Procedures
- Interventional Radiology
Background:
- Retained thoracentesis catheter fragments can be managed percutaneously.
- Thoracostomy tubes are essential for pleural space management.
- Complete retraction of thoracostomy tubes into the thoracic cavity presents a unique removal challenge.
Observation:
- Two cases of completely retracted thoracostomy tubes within the thoracic cavity were encountered.
- Standard removal techniques were not feasible due to the tubes' intra-thoracic location.
Findings:
- Percutaneous removal of intra-thoracic thoracostomy tubes was successfully achieved.
- Methods adapted from percutaneous nephrolithotomy were utilized.
- This technique allowed for minimally invasive retrieval of the retracted tubes.
Implications:
- Percutaneous techniques offer a viable alternative for managing completely retracted thoracostomy tubes.
- Adapting nephrolithotomy methods expands the utility of percutaneous approaches in thoracic surgery.
- This approach may reduce the need for open surgical intervention in complex cases.