Drainage of pleural cavity in case of emergency in thoracic surgery: lessons learned

The review presents historical information related to the establishment and development of the method of drainage of the pleural cavity in various pathological conditions, accompanied by the development of pneumothorax, hydrothorax, including pleural empyema. The role and significance of pleural drainage in emergency thoracic surgery and traumatology are shown. A chronology of the methods used to eliminate them, from ancient medicine to the present day, is traced, the contribution of the great surgeons of the past (Larrey, Billroth, Dupuytren, Bulau and others) to this section of thoracic surgery is described. References to rare facts and literature sources explaining ways to solve problems associated with drainage of the pleural cavity and expansion of the lung are given: evolution of prevention of air into the pleural cavity during drainage, aspiration and “valve” methods. The main types of drainage systems and devices, catheters used for drainage are described. The issues of choosing the optimal drainage location, monitoring the installation of the drainage and its functioning, the duration of the drainage, prevention of common mistakes are discussed. The complications accompanying the process of drainage of the pleural cavity were analyzed, including pulmonary edema, which was poorly covered in medical publications, after spreading.