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

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 the lowest recurrence rates, albeit infrequently applied, suggesting a potential role for more cautious, technology‑assisted drain management in selected patients.

Link to publication.

---

All Papers »