Digital versus conventional chest drainage systems in resource-limited setting: a comparative analysis
Pedro Henrique Xavier Nabuco de Araújo, João Paulo Cassiano de Macedo, Paula Duarte D'Ambrosio, Paulo Manuel Pêgo-Fernandes, Ricardo Mingarini Terra | November 4, 2025
Papers
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…
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The evolution of chest tube management following lung cancer surgery: many options, scarce evidence
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
Papers
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.…
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Association of Wearable Activity Monitors and Digital Drainage Device With Daily Ambulation and Length of Stay Among Pulmonary Resection Patients: A Prospective, Randomized Controlled Study
Tzu-Yi Yang, Ching-Yang Wu, Ming-Ju Hsieh, Yin-Kai Chao, Ching-Feng Wu | July 23, 2025
Papers
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…
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Clinical outcomes of digital versus traditional chest drains after thoracic surgery: a narrative review of randomised trials
Eric Lim, Shanda H. Blackmon, Lieven Depypere, Michel Gonzalez, Brian Mitzman, Brendan M. Stiles, Nuria Novoa | August 31, 2025
Papers
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,…
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Following cardiac surgery, do digital drainage systems vs underwater seal impact post-operative outcomes?
Alexander Smith, Akshay Patel, Muhammad Mansoor, Raya Almaraihah, Kevin Sales, Khine Wai, Krishna Mani, Adnan Charaf, Marjan Jahangiri | May 2, 2025
Papers
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…
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Digital pleural versus analog drainage devices for postoperative management of patients after pulmonary resection
Alison Embalabala, Brian Mitzman, Traves Crabtree | March 28, 2025
Papers
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…
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The impact of a chest drainage system on retained blood-associated complications after cardiac surgery
Jurij M Kalisnik , Vitalijs Zujs , Janez Zibert , Islam Batashev , Spela Leiler , Jacob Arne B Carstensen , Jan-Niklas Krohn , Theodor Fischlein | March 28, 2025
Papers
This retrospective study compared conventional chest drainage, active tube clearance, and portable digital drainage following myocardial revascularization. Both active tube clearance and digital drainage reduced interventions for retained blood syndrome, while portable digital drainage was associated with fewer re-explorations for bleeding and a substantially lower incidence of postoperative atrial fibrillation.…
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Chest tube management: Past, present, and future directions for developing evidence-based best practices
Kevin W. Lobdell, MD and Daniel T. Engelman, MD | February 20, 2021
Papers
This narrative review highlights the central role of chest drains in recovery after cardiac surgery while emphasizing the considerable variation in current management practices. Key decisions (including drain type, number, maintenance of patency, and timing of removal) remain largely guided by tradition rather than robust evidence. The authors identify important…
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