<Li> During thoracentesis, a needle or a thin, hollow, plastic tube is inserted through the ribs in the back of the chest into the chest wall . A syringe is attached to draw fluid out of the chest . This procedure can remove more than 6 cups (1.5 litres) of fluid at a time . </Li> <Li> When larger amounts of fluid must be removed, a chest tube may be inserted through the chest wall . The doctor injects a local painkiller into the area of the chest wall outside where the fluid is . A plastic tube is then inserted into the chest between two ribs . The tube is connected to a box that suctions the fluid out . A chest x-ray is taken to check the tube's position . </Li> <Li> A chest tube is also used to drain blood and air from the pleural space . This can take several days . The tube is left in place, and the patient usually stays in the hospital during this time . </Li> <Li> Sometimes the fluid contains thick pus or blood clots, or it may have formed a hard skin or peel . This makes it harder to drain the fluid . To help break up the pus or blood clots, the doctor may use the chest tube to put certain medicines into the pleural space . These medicines are called fibrinolytics . If the pus or blood clots still do not drain out, surgery may be necessary . </Li>

Pain in lower left side and shortness of breath