CHEST DRAINAGE: IDENTIFICATION OF THE MAIN CLINICAL INDICATIONS

Abstract

This article discusses thoracic drainage, a critical procedure in medical practice for removing fluids, air, or blood from the pleural cavity, essential in conditions like pneumothorax, hemothorax, and pleural effusion. The introduction emphasizes the importance of careful assessment to determine the need for the procedure. The methodology involved a literature review using specific descriptors such as “thoracic drainage” and “thorax” in databases like PubMed and Scielo. The results highlight the main indications for the procedure, including traumatic and non-traumatic conditions, and the importance of properly managing exudative pleural effusions. The conclusions underline the relevance of thoracic drainage in preventing severe complications and improving patient outcomes, concluding that the procedure is indispensable in various complex medical situations and that its correct application is crucial for patient quality of life.