Afraid Of Getting A Chest Tube Done. Guidance?

Posted on Fri, 24 May 2013

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Fri, 24 May 2013 Answered on

Thu, 13 Jun 2013 Last reviewed on

Question : im scared of having s chest tube done

Answered by Dr. Satyadeo Choubey (1 hour later)

Hi Ginarico,
Thanks for your query.
Chest tube or intercostal chest tube drainage( ICTD) is usually required to drain pus, air, blood or other unusual occupants from the pleural space. It is usually done in local anaesthesia and in most cases taken out in 3-4 days as the lung gets expanded and drain is minimal.
It is safe, minimally invasive procedure, so don't worry.

Best wishes

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Satyadeo Choubey (3 minutes later)

but im really really scared ive seen people scream while gettting that done on tv or am I thinking of a breathing tube im really worried scared and anxious

Answered by Dr. Satyadeo Choubey (59 minutes later)

Thanks for follow up.
What is seen on TV is nonsense. I doubt whether they are the real scenes. It is a matter of just 5 minutes. Even you will not feel it.
I bet you will laugh at your anxiousness once the procedure is over...Just relax...

Best of luck

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Satyadeo Choubey (2 minutes later)

are you sure

Answered by Dr. Satyadeo Choubey (2 minutes later)

More than 100%.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar