Tube Thoracostomy at the Time of Congenital Diaphragmatic Hernia Repair: Reassessing the Risks and Benefits

Abstract

Chest tube placement during CDH repair is associated with significantly lower incidence of clinically significant pleural complications, does not delay extubation, and results in shorter ventilator times than cases that require postoperative intervention. Patch infections are extremely rare. There is no evidence that chest tube placement increases this risk.