The Role of Clamping Before Removal of a Chest Tube in Post-Surgical and Pneumothorax Patients Using Digital Drainage Systems: A Non-inferiority Randomized Trial

Wytze S. de Boer, Richard N. Hartman, Quinten S.D. Muller, Mireille A. Edens, Dirk Jan Slebos, Marieke L. Duiverman, Jos A. Stigt  |  March 28, 2025

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 the safety and efficiency of digital-guided chest tube removal, potentially avoiding unnecessary clamping and associated complications.

Read more


All Papers »