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Treatment

Pediatric Thoracentesis and Chest Tube Placement

A thoracentesis is a procedure to drain fluid from the pleural space, between the lung and chest wall. Inflammation, infection and traumatic injury can cause fluid or air to build up in the cavity. If there is concern this fluid or air will reaccumulate or take several days to resolve, a chest tube can be placed through the puncture site and it can remain in place. 

Frequently Asked Questions

How is a thoracentesis performed in children?

Will my child be awake during the thoracentesis procedure?

How long does the thoracentesis procedure in children take?

What are the risks of chest drainage in children?

Will my child have pain after the thoracentesis procedure?

When can my child bathe after a thoracentesis?

Are there any activity restrictions for a child after a thoracentesis?

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Interventional Radiology at Children's National Hospital

Our pediatric interventional radiologists perform a full range of minimally invasive, image-guided procedures to both diagnose and treat disease in infants, children and adolescents. Discover more about the treatment we offer.

doctor examines xray results with little girl
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PATIENT STORY

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    Departments that Offer Thoracentesis and Chest Tube Placement

    Nurse giving girl a stuffed animal in MRI imaging room

    Interventional Radiology

    Children's National interventional radiologists perform a full range of minimally invasive, image-guided procedures to both diagnose and treat disease in infants, children, and adolescents.