What procedure involves creating an opening into the chest?

The procedure that involves creating an opening into the chest is thoracostomy. This is a surgical procedure where an incision is made in the chest wall to allow for the drainage of air, fluid, or blood from the pleural space, or to facilitate access for other surgical interventions.

Thoracostomy is often performed in emergency situations, such as when a patient has a pneumothorax (collapsed lung), pleural effusion, or hemothorax. The purpose of this procedure is to help restore normal breathing and prevent further complications from the buildup of air or fluid.

In contrast, a pneumonectomy refers to the surgical removal of an entire lung, while a thoracotomy involves making a larger incision in the chest wall to perform more extensive procedures, and a cystostomy involves creating an opening in the bladder, not the chest. Understanding these distinctions clarifies thoracostomy's critical role in managing thoracic conditions.