Thoracostomy vs. Thoracentesis
Thoracostomy and Thoracentesis Definitions
Thoracostomy
Incision into the chest wall, with maintenance of the opening for drainage.
Thoracentesis
(surgery) A medical procedure involving needle drainage of air or fluid from the pleural space.
Thoracentesis
The operation of puncturing the chest wall so as to let out liquids contained in the cavity of the chest.
