After Your Chest Tube Is Removed
Why do I need a chest tube?
Trauma can make air, blood, or fluid collect between your lungs and your chest wall. A chest tube helps get rid of the build-up. (See picture.) The area where the tube was placed usually heals completely, with only a small scar.
How do I take care of the area?
The bulky dressing can come off 2 days after the tube comes out. Your dressing may be removed on ____________________________ (date).
You can cover the area with a large band-aid if needed.
Once the dressing is off, you can take showers. Don’t soak in water until after the area is well healed.
|
|
|
Activity
You may go back to your normal activities after 4-6 weeks, depending on your other injuries.
You can fly 14 days after a chest x-ray shows that the blood, fluid or air is gone from your chest. If you aren’t sure, check with your doctor before you travel.
You can scuba dive three months after a clear x-ray if your doctor approves.
What should I watch for?
Go to the nearest emergency room right away if:
Call your doctor right away if:
-
You have chills or fever.
-
You cough up mucus.
-
There is fluid coming from where the tube was.
-
You have more pain or redness in the area where the tube was.