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…
Read more »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.…
Read more »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…
Read more »Effective drainology influences hospital stay duration. Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS) guidelines recommend a single chest tube, digital drainage systems, pain management and improving mobility. However, suction pressure and chest tube removal criteria remain a topic of debate and research. Studies show early drain removal, on POD0, is safe using…
Read more »Central Message Wide variation in the use of chest drains after cardiothoracic surgery can compromise consistency of care and outcomes. The new science of drainology represents an opportunity for quality improvement. Perspective Current practices for chest drain management are typically based on clinical tradition because of a lack of quality…
Read more »This review from Tim Batchelor highlights importance of a focus on proactive chest tube management (single tube, no routine suction, use of digital drains, early removal) for superior patient outcomes.
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