A thoracentesis (chest tap) is a procedure that removes fluid or air from the lungs’ surrounding area. A certified chest specialist will insert a needle into the pleural space through the chest wall. The pleural space is the narrow space between the lung’s pleura and the inner chest wall and the fluid or air is aspirated.
A chest tube (flexible plastic tube) can be used to drain air, blood, or fluid from the pleural space, which surrounds your lungs. Chest tube thoracostomy is another term for chest tube insertion. A small cut is made after local anaesthesia, and the tube is inserted between the ribs into the pleural space. To aid drainage, the tube could be connected to a machine. The tube is removed only when the fluid or air is removed and the lung has expanded.
The procedures are performed under ultrasound guidance by Dr. C.T. Yeo who is a chest specialist in Singapore. Both are used for diagnostic and therapeutic purposes.
The knowledge gained by Dr. Yeo over many years in his field of work as a lung & chest specialist has led him to hold integral positions in the medical industry in Singapore. He also actively imparted this knowledge on lung health and asthma treatments to his students at the Singapore General Hospital during his tenure at the hospital.