A thoracostomy is a small incision of the chest wall,[1] with maintenance of the opening for drainage.

At this point, a chest tube can be inserted and connected to a one way wale to allow continuous drainage.

[6] Rare complications are mostly due to placement technique, inexperience of the interventionist, and emergent vs. elective circumstances.

The most common complications are recurrent pneumothorax (incomplete recovery, but an expected course), infection, and organ injury (due to mechanical damage).

If saliva and chyme contents drain from the chest tube, that should raise suspicion of esophageal injury.