What happens when a chest tube is inserted?
The skin around the area where the chest tube is inserted will be cleaned and numbed with a local anesthetic. Be sure to tell your doctor or nurse of any allergies you may have. You will have a stinging or burning feeling when the local anesthetic is injected. You may feel pressure to cough after the tube is inserted. Stitches will be used to hold the tube in place and a dressing put on top. The chest tube is attached to a chest drainage unit that looks like a flat box with different chambers. It may or may not be connected to a suction unit on the wall. If it is connected to a suction unit, you will hear a constant bubbling noise. A chest x-ray will be taken to make sure the chest tube is in the right place. Your breathing may worsen for a short time after the chest tube is placed, but then it should improve. What should I do when I have a chest tube? You should tell your nurse if you are having increased pain or if you are having trouble breathing. The nurse will listen to your lungs
