TY - JOUR
AR - SCR-2021-1-108
TI - Novel Chest Tube Anchoring and Closure Technique with an Aesthetic Scar
AU - Janet , Hung
AU - O-Wern , Low
AU - Jing Tzer , Lee
AU - Hanjing , Lee
AU - Yan Lin , Yap
AU - Jane , Lim
AU - Thiam Chye , Lim
AU - Vigneswaran , Nallathamby
JO - Surgical Case Reports
PY - 2021
DA - Mon 18, Jan 2021
SN - 2613-5965
DO - http://dx.doi.org/10.31487/j.SCR.2021.01.08
UR - https://www.sciencerepository.org/novel-chest-tube-anchoring-and-closure-technique-with-an_SCR-2021-1-108 
KW - Chest tube anchor technique, chest tube closure technique, aesthetic chest tube scar 
AB - Technique: This chest tube anchoring technique differs from other techniques by introducing 2 layered
closure to avoid wound healing complications such as hypertrophic or keloid scar and to achieve airtight
closure. The first suture to be used is a monofilament synthetic absorbable 4/0 suture – Monocryl (Johnson
& Johnson, New Jersey, USA) that is passed as a buried stitch in the dermal layer. The second suture to be
used is a monofilament non-absorbable 3/0 suture – Prolene (Johnson & Johnson, New Jersey, USA) that is
passed around the chest tube incision in a horizontal mattress manner taking the muscle/fascia and skin
layers. The chest tube is then anchored with a 2/0 silk suture with a mesentery. The three suture ends are
secured and wrapped around the chest tube with Steri-Strips™ (3M™, Minnesota, USA). Two long
dressings are sandwiched together, partially on skin and partially on the tube as dressing anchors.
Results: This technique has shown good results with no complications. Routine chest radiograph and
physical examination showed no signs of pneumothorax or discharge from the wound nor any wound
healing complications.
Conclusion: This chest tube anchoring and closure technique is secure and produces an aesthetic pleasing
scar that does not require any expensive sutures or special skills.