A National Evaluation of Intercostal Chest Drain Removal Strategies
Niki Veale, Anthony W. Martinelli, Dheeraj Sethi, Phillip De Souza, Khaing Zar Mon, Joyce Oi Suet Cheng, David Morrow, May Sam, Irfan Saleem, Kay Por Yip, Jennifer Kerks, David E. Henshall, Tobias Smitherman-Cairns, Katherine Smith, Daniel Mitchell, Karl Jackson, Benjamin Pippard, Seemab Paul, Waheed Mohammad, James Hyman, Rob J. Hallifax | November 7, 2025
Papers
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…
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How safe is to discharge home patients with a chest tube in place? Narrative review
Fabrizio Minervini, Pietro Bertoglio, Alessandro Brunelli, Yaron Shargall | March 28, 2025
Papers
This review suggests that outpatient management with a chest tube in situ for prolonged air leak or excessive pleural drainage can reduce hospital length of stay and may be cost‑effective, aligning with ERAS principles. However, evidence regarding readmissions and complications, particularly empyema, remains mixed. These findings support selective use of…
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