Chest Tube Placement: What It Is and What to Expect
Medically reviewed by Harsha Moole, MD, Internal Medicine. Last reviewed: October 2, 2026.
What kind of doctor provides Chest Tube Placement?
Chest tubes are usually placed by a surgeon, an emergency medicine doctor, or a lung specialist called a pulmonologist. The exact doctor depends on the hospital and the reason for the tube. A direct primary care or concierge doctor can be a first stop for an evaluation and can refer you to a specialist when needed.
What it is
A chest tube is a soft, flexible plastic tube placed through the chest wall into the pleural space, the thin gap between the lung and the inside of the rib cage. The tube connects to a sealed container that collects fluid or air and keeps it from building up again.
Why a doctor might recommend it
Doctors place chest tubes when air or fluid collects around a lung and stops it from working well, often after an injury, surgery, or an illness such as pneumonia. A collapsed lung, called a pneumothorax, is a common reason.
How to prepare
- Ask whether you should stop taking any medicines, especially blood thinners, before the procedure.
- Tell the care team about any allergies you have.
- Arrange for someone to drive you home if you will be going home the same day.
- Ask questions before the procedure starts.
What happens during it
You will likely get medicine to numb the area, and sometimes medicine to help you relax. The doctor makes a small cut, guides the tube into the pleural space, and secures it with a stitch. The tube is attached to a sealed drainage container, and the team may take a chest X-ray to check its position.
Recovery
Most people stay in the hospital while the tube is in place. You may have soreness at the insertion site, and the team will check the drainage regularly. Once the air or fluid has drained and your lung is working well, the tube is removed and covered with a dressing.
Risks and side effects
Chest tube placement is generally safe, but risks include bleeding, infection, and pain at the insertion site. Less often, the tube can injure the lung or nearby organs. Your care team will watch for problems and treat them quickly.
Who performs it
Surgeons, emergency medicine doctors, and pulmonologists place chest tubes most often. In an emergency, any trained doctor may place one to stabilize a patient.
How a direct primary care or concierge doctor fits in
A direct primary care doctor charges a flat monthly fee instead of billing insurance, while a concierge doctor usually charges more and often works alongside insurance. These doctors can watch a lung problem over time, order imaging, and manage follow-up care after the tube comes out. They do not place chest tubes in most cases, so they would refer you to a specialist when one is needed, then coordinate your recovery afterward.
Common questions
Does chest tube placement hurt?
You will get numbing medicine before the tube goes in, so you should feel pressure rather than sharp pain. Some soreness afterward is normal, and pain medicine can help while the tube is in place.
How long does a chest tube stay in?
It often stays in for a few days, depending on how fast the air or fluid drains and how your lung recovers.
Will a chest tube leave a scar?
Most people have a small scar where the tube was placed. The size varies from person to person.
Can I move around with a chest tube in?
Yes, but you will need to be careful with the tubing and the collection container. The care team will show you how to move safely.
Sources
- MedlinePlus - Chest tube insertion: MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia
- MedlinePlus - Chest tube insertion - series-Procedure: MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia
Medical Disclaimer
This content is for general educational and informational purposes only and is not medical advice. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment, and reading it does not create a doctor-patient relationship. Always seek the advice of your physician or another qualified health provider with any questions about a medical condition, and never disregard or delay seeking professional advice because of something you read here. If you think you may have a medical emergency, call 911 (or your local emergency number) immediately.
