Benefits and complications of the new single hole chest tube: study of 100 cases

Chest tube is indicated in many situations and can be life saving in certain patients. Some of the chest tube complications are related with the number of its holes. Tube length is associated with other complications. The present study was performed with the aim of comparing two types of chest tubes, one with several holes and the other with a single hole. A randomized clinical trial was performed on 100 patients in Imam Hossein Hospital. Patients were randomly divided into two groups, and each group used one type of tube, one with several holes and the other with a single hole. Radiographic pattern, duration of use, complications, and need for a second tube were compared in the two groups. There was no significant difference between the two groups regarding age, sex, duration of use, reason for tube insertion, clinical findings and laterality of chest tube placement. Hemothorax was significantly observed more frequently in radiographs obtained 1 hour and one-day later. In the 3[rd] day, two groups were similar in terms of hemothorax. Inadequate drainage was a complication observed in those with single hole tubes. Kinking was a complication seen in patients with multiple hole tubes. None of the patients needed second tube placement. There was no significant difference between the two tubes regarding their function but hemothorax occurred more frequently in those with multiple hole [conventional] tubes. Thus, we recommend the use of single holes tubes. Mass production of these tubes is cost effective considering less production costs and similar function