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 multicenter, randomized controlled trial compared two intrathoracic pressure settings (−8 cmH₂O vs. −15 cmH₂O) in digital pleural drainage for patients with moderate air leaks after lung resection. No significant differences were found in prolonged air leak rates, air leak duration, chest tube duration, or hospital stay between groups. The…
Read more »This study evaluated the internal diameters and flow rates of 6 Fr–12 Fr drainage catheters from eight manufacturers under standardized conditions. Results revealed significant variability in internal dimensions and performance, with some smaller catheters outperforming larger ones. Notably, thin-walled 10 Fr drains exceeded the flow rates of certain 12 Fr…
Read more »This randomized study compared standard suction (−20 cmH₂O) and low suction (−8 cmH₂O) using digital drainage after minimally invasive lung resection. Both approaches, with a single 24 Fr Blake drain and a removal threshold of 450 mL/24 h, were safe and effective. However, low suction did not shorten air leak…
Read more »This single-center, non-inferiority trial assessed whether chest tube removal based solely on digital drainage data is as safe as traditional clamping trials. Among 92 patients—primarily post-lung surgery—no significant difference in chest tube reinsertion rates was observed. Notably, clamping led to pneumothorax progression in over 13% of cases. The findings support…
Read more »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…
Read more »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,…
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 »Persistent air leaks (PAL) and excess fluid drainage prolong hospital stays after lung surgery. Studies support outpatient PAL management, reducing costs but posing risks like empyema and readmission. Segmentectomy increases PAL risks, requiring further study. Outpatient pneumothorax treatment is feasible but has mixed results. Structured post-discharge care, including monitoring, is…
Read more »To read more, please log in or apply for membership.