PRACTICAL ASPECTS ABOUT CLOSED CHEST DRAINAGE CARE: A LITERATURE REVIEW

Abstract

Context: The drained pleural contents may vary, as well as their drainage, however closed drainage system is the most frequent one and reaches flaws along those who are in charge of their management. Objetive: Provide a comprehensive review about close chest drainage. Methods: A systematic search of the PubMed and Medline databases was conducted on closed drainage system using the following keyword combination: chest tubes AND drainage.  Results: From eight hundred eight-three articles retrieved after our preliminary search, 17 articles were chosen for final analysis. Representative schemes were drawn to better understanding of the three types of chest drainage systems for pleura effusion: (i) the closed drainage system; (ii) the open drainage system; and (iii) the suction drainage system. Representative pictures were also developed in order to facilitate additional care in the field. Conclusions: Bringing information together about chest tube management in closed drainage system may imply in a better approach to the patients, minimize institutional cost, minimize material waste and promote efficient communication among the multidisciplinary staff.  Understanding details about tubular tube, pig tail tube, one-way bag, one-way valve and collectors is the only way to perform a better approach to the patient who needs closed drainage system.