Suction Impact on Chest Drain Duration After Lung Resection: A Study Using Digital Drainage Systems
This randomized controlled trial compared chest drain management with (at -20 cmH2O) versus without (at -8 cmH2O) suction after lung resection using a digital system. Avoiding suction (-8 cmH2O) significantly shortened chest tube duration without affecting hospital stay or prolonged air leak rates. Continuous suction was independently associated with delayed drain removal. These findings support no‑suction (physiologic pressure) strategies to facilitate earlier chest tube removal and optimize postoperative recovery in uncomplicated lung resections.
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