Implications of modernized chest tube management after anatomic lung resection as an aspect of enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS)
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 re-intervention rates. Patients also transitioned from intermediate care sooner. These findings support updating ERAS protocols to allow higher fluid thresholds for chest tube removal, promoting faster recovery without compromising safety.
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