This large retrospective study found retained blood syndrome (RBS) occurred in 12.7% of cardiac surgery patients and was associated with significantly higher short‑ and long‑term mortality, morbidity, and prolonged ICU and hospital stay. RBS was linked to increased atrial fibrillation, acute kidney injury, and infections. The findings highlight the critical…
Read more »This retrospective cohort study of 476 patients undergoing endoscopic coronary artery bypass grafting (May 2021–January 2025) evaluated the safety of very early postoperative chest drain removal. Despite higher baseline risk in the early‑removal group, these patients experienced significantly shorter drainage duration (5.1 vs. 22.4 hours) and lower total drain output,…
Read more »This prospective quality improvement study evaluated chest tube removal in the operating room after robotic pulmonary resection using digital air‑leak assessment. In selected patients with minimal air leak, immediate removal was feasible, with most discharged on postoperative day 1. Chest tube reinsertion was infrequent and manageable. These results suggest that…
Read more »This systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized trials compared small‑bore versus large‑bore chest tubes in adult trauma patients. Small‑bore tubes demonstrated similar failure and complication rates, with a modest but significant reduction in drainage duration. No differences in hospital stay were observed. However, trial sequential analysis showed the current evidence…
Read more »This large multicenter retrospective study evaluated intercostal chest drain (ICD) removal strategies for spontaneous pneumothorax. Clamping trials were safe but did not reduce pneumothorax recurrence or length of stay compared with direct removal. Recurrent pneumothorax remained common after ICD removal. Use of digital air leak devices combined with clamping showed…
Read more »This narrative review highlights the role of ERAS in cardiothoracic transplantation, emphasizing standardized chest drain management as a key enabler of recovery. Evidence supports early chest tube removal, avoidance of routine suction, and use of digital drainage systems to objectively monitor air leaks and output, facilitating early mobilization and reduced…
Read more »This propensity-matched retrospective study compared digital and conventional chest drainage following anatomical lung resection using standardized chest tube removal criteria in a resource-limited setting. No significant differences were observed in chest tube duration or hospital length of stay. However, the authors note that prior studies have demonstrated shorter drainage duration…
Read more »This retrospective institutional review evaluated routine mediastinal chest drain removal on postoperative day 1 after cardiopulmonary bypass surgery. Among 158 patients, chest drains were typically removed at ~22 hours with minimal output. Early drain removal was associated with low rates of clinically significant pericardial effusion and rare need for reintervention.…
Read more »This phase 1 single-institution trial assessed the safety and feasibility of same-day discharge after video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) lung resection. Nineteen patients underwent VATS lobectomy, segmentectomy, or wedge resection and were discharged home with a chest tube. Same-day discharge was achieved in 95% of cases, with a median chest tube…
Read more »This retrospective study evaluated a revised chest tube management protocol allowing removal at fluid outputs up to 500 mL/24 h after anatomic lung resection, compared to the standard 200 mL/24 h threshold. The new protocol enabled earlier chest tube removal (median 2 vs. 3.5 days) without increasing complications, pain, or…
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