chest tube vs. thoracocentesis

[ctizzle13498]

what exactly is the difference? I am studying pleural effusions, and its saying that you can use either but that for empyema, a chest tube is required.

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[ferroportin]

what exactly is the difference? I am studying pleural effusions, and its saying that you can use either but that for empyema, a chest tube is required.

The difference is that thoracentesis means simply creating the an opening in the chest wall with a needle; after that, a chest tube can also be placed to allow for continuous drainage. An empyema can get really thick, so that it won't drain well, hence the need for a chest tube. Sometimes even a chest tube is insufficient, so VATS (video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery) is needed.