Intercostal tube drainage of pleura: urosac as chest drainage bag.

ABSTRACT

Chest drainage bags are an alternative to underwater seal drainage. Urosac functions on the same principles and therefore can be used as a cheap and easily available substitute. 40 patients requiring intercostal tube drainage (ICD) were included in the study. 29 pneumothoraces and 11 pleural effusions of various etiologies were treated with intercostal drain attached to urosac bag. The period of ICD ranged from 4 days to 106 days. 2 patients were treated at home for prolonged periods without any complications. Urosac used as a chest drainage bag is safe and effective and can be used as an alternative to underwater seal drainage with several advantages.