Lars Geenen, Koen C. H. A. Verkoulen, Aimée J. P. M. Franssen, Juliette H. R. J. Degens, Karel W. E. Hulsewé, Yvonne L. J. Vissers, Erik R. de Loos  |  August 31, 2025

This comprehensive review examines current strategies and evidence for chest drainage after lung cancer surgery, highlighting ongoing debates over optimal removal criteria and drainage techniques—including suction versus water seal and digital versus analogue systems. Despite extensive research, no consensus has been reached due to conflicting results and limited high-quality evidence.…

Tzu-Yi Yang, Ching-Yang Wu, Ming-Ju Hsieh, Yin-Kai Chao, Ching-Feng Wu  |  July 23, 2025

This prospective, randomized controlled trial compared digital (DCD) and traditional (TCD) chest drainage systems in postoperative care. Among over 250 patients, the DCD system was associated with shorter chest tube duration, reduced hospital stays, improved sleep quality, and greater postoperative mobility, without increasing complications. The study concludes that digital chest…

Eric Lim, Shanda H. Blackmon, Lieven Depypere, Michel Gonzalez, Brian Mitzman, Brendan M. Stiles, Nuria Novoa  |  August 31, 2025

This narrative review analyzed high-quality trials comparing digital and traditional chest drain systems after thoracic surgery. Among five randomized studies, all reported a reduction in hospital stay by one day with digital drains, though statistical significance varied. The review highlights that digital drains are consistently associated with shorter hospital stays,…

Alexander Smith, Akshay Patel, Muhammad Mansoor, Raya Almaraihah, Kevin Sales, Khine Wai, Krishna Mani, Adnan Charaf, Marjan Jahangiri  |  May 2, 2025

This study compared digital and underwater seal drainage systems in cardiac surgery patients. After matching patients for comparison, those using digital drainage had a significantly lower risk of post-operative atrial fibrillation. However, there were no differences in other outcomes like bleeding, tamponade, pleural effusion, or drain output. The findings suggest…

Alison Embalabala, Brian Mitzman, Traves Crabtree  |  March 28, 2025

This article identifies and summarizes the current comparative data between digital drains and traditional pleural devices. Some randomized controlled trials found no significant difference between digital and analogue systems. Others reported shorter chest tube duration and length of stay with digital devices. Meta-analyses support these findings, though variations in protocols…

Jurij M Kalisnik , Vitalijs Zujs , Janez Zibert , Islam Batashev , Spela Leiler , Jacob Arne B Carstensen , Jan-Niklas Krohn , Theodor Fischlein  |  March 28, 2025

Different drainage modalities and chest placement strategies significantly affect postoperative outcomes in coronary artery bypass graft patients. This article shows that portable digital drainage system (Thopaz+, Medela) outperformed conventional drainage systems in reducing RBS interventions, supporting early re-exploration for bleeding, and reducing postoperative atrial fibrillation incidence and resource utilization. Digital…

Kevin W. Lobdell, MD and Daniel T. Engelman, MD  |  February 20, 2021

In the PAST, traditional practice with eminence-based therapies have led to a wide variation of practice. PRESENTLY, new technology has emerged, confounders and variables are being addressed. Yet, quality evidence is rare. This review article surveys what is available regarding chest drain management practices. Scientific gaps, unmet needs, and opportunities…