Post-thoracic drainage tubes are usually removed on the third day after surgery, depending on the drainage. In case of malignant pleural fluid, the extraction time may be prolonged, but not longer than two weeks.
The drainage tube after thoracic surgery should be removed within three days after the operation. On the first day, the color of the pleural fluid will be darker and the amount will be more, and after three days, the drainage will not be more than 100ml.
Pulling out the drain after thoracic surgery also depends on the pleural fluid, if the diagnosis is malignant pleural fluid, the time for pulling out the drain may be prolonged, but there is a time limit for pulling out the drain, just like partially inserting the catheter, which has to be changed every two weeks, the drain can’t be left in place for two weeks, otherwise it will lead to a secondary infection, and bacteria will invade into the lung tissues through the catheter, leading to lung infection.
Patients who have drainage tubes placed after thoracic surgery should pay attention to protecting the drainage tubes when turning over in bed, sitting up and other activities to avoid folding, slipping and twisting, and should carry out appropriate activities under the guidance of the doctor.