If the amount of collected water is more than 500 millilitres, consult immediately a thoracic surgeon and have the water in the chest removed with the help of a chest tube. This procedure will prevent the lung from unnecessary trauma and destruction. A chest tube will remove water completely from the chest. Always remember emptying of chest through a chest tube is the simplest and timely method to prevent the destruction of lung.
Dr. K. K. Pandey is a Senior Consultant in Thoracic & Endothoracic Surgery at Indraprastha Apollo Hospital, New Delhi, with 30+ years’ experience in lung cancer surgery, chest tumors, pleural diseases, VATS, esophageal surgery and minimally invasive thoracic procedures. He is also a dedicated health writer and educator.