Unexpected massive hemorrhage following the removal of a pleural drainage tube.

We herein describe a case in which a massive hemorrhage unexpectedly occurred after the removal of a pleural drainage tube which had been in place for five days. One possible explanation for that event was the damage of the intercostal artery during tube insertion into the thoracic cavity. This is an extremely rare but severe complication. Therefore, the present report provides useful information for physicians who treat patients with respiratory diseases.