Modified Versus Traditional Thoracic Drainage After Thoracoscopic Surgery

Randomized Clinical Trial of Modified Versus Traditional Thoracic Drainage After Thoracoscopic Surgery for Lung Cancer

Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer-related death worldwide. Thoracoscopic pulmonary resection is a prevalent management for early stage of lung cancer. Placement of traditional chest tube is the standard procedure after surgery, which causes pain that cannot be ignored. We aimed to determine whether a modified thoracic drainage strategy based on pigtail catheter associated with better clinical results compared with traditional methods after thoracoscopic surgery for lung cancer.

Inclusion Criteria:

• 18<age<80;
• Patients with lung cancer;
• Thoracoscopic lung resection;
• Single chest-tube insertion.

Exclusion Criteria:

• A history of preoperative chemotherapy or radiotherapy;
• Presence of distant tumor metastasis;
• Pneumonectomy;
• Dysfunction of cardiorespiratory system or other surgical contraindications.