The analgesic effects of combined bilateral parasternal block and serratus anterior plane block for coronary artery bypass grafting surgery.

BACKGROUND: Severe pain occurs after cardiac surgery in the sternum and chest tubes sites. Although analgesia targeting the sternum is often prioritized, the analgesia of the drain site is sometimes overlooked. This study of patients undergoing coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) aimed to provide optimized analgesia for both the sternum and the chest tubes area by combining parasternal block (PSB) and serratus anterior plane block (SAPB). METHODS: Ethics committee approval (E.Kurul-E2-24-6176, 07/02/2024) was received for the study. Then, the trial was registered on www. CLINICALTRIALS: gov ( https://clinicaltrials.gov/ ) under the identifier NCT05427955 on 17/03/2024. Twenty patients between the ages of 18-80, with ASA physical status classification II-III, undergoing coronary artery bypass grafting CABG with sternotomy, were included. While the patients were under general anesthesia, PSB was performed through the second and fourth intercostal spaces, and SAPB was performed over the sixth rib. The primary outcome was VAS (Visual Analog Scale) during the first 12 h after extubation. The secondary outcomes were intraoperative remifentanil consumption and block-related side effects. RESULTS: The average age of the patients was 64 years. Five patients were female, and 15 were male. For the sternum area, only one patient had resting VAS scores of 4, while the VAS scores for resting for the other patients were below 4. For chest tubes area, only two patients had resting VAS scores of 4 or above, while the resting VAS scores for the other patients were below 4. The patients' intraoperative remifentanil consumption averaged 2.05 mg. No side effects related to analgesic protocol were observed in any of the patients. CONCLUSIONS: In this preliminary study where PSB and SAPB were combined in patients undergoing CABG, effective analgesia was achieved for the sternum and chest tubes area.

Large-bore Chest Tube Insertion: Seldinger Technique over Two Guidewires.

Purpose: Large-bore chest tube insertion is commonly performed using the trocar technique and blunt dissection; however, large-bore chest tube can cause severe visceral injury due to penetration, which is a life-threatening complication. Conversely, small-bore chest tubes can be safely inserted using the Seldinger technique; however, small-bore chest tubes are prone to blockage, especially in empyema cases. Therefore, this study aimed to demonstrate large-bore chest tube insertion using the Seldinger technique over two guidewires following image-guided puncture. Material and Methods: We started performing large-bore chest tube insertion using the Seldinger technique over two guidewires following image-guided puncture in February 2022. Demographic data and procedural details, such as chest tube size, dilator size, procedure time, and type of image-guided puncture, of patients who underwent this procedure between February 2022 and March 2023 were retrospectively reviewed. Technical success was defined as the successful drainage of the pleural cavity. Results: This method was used for performing ten procedures in nine patients who presented with empyema, pneumothorax, and pulmonary fistula. The insertion of a large-bore chest tube with a size ranging from 18- to 24-French was successfully performed in all cases without any complications. The median procedure time was 17.5 (first quartile-third quartile, 13.5-28.0) min. Conclusions: Large-bore chest tube insertion using the Seldinger technique over two guidewires may be used as an alternative to conventional methods.

Unexpected spontaneous expectoration of a grass bur: A case report.

Adult foreign body aspiration is rare and represents only 15%-25% of all foreign body aspirations and 1 in 400 bronchoscopy procedures. Typically, adults present non-emergently and exhibit non-specific symptoms, which makes the diagnosis of foreign body aspiration especially difficult when a history of aspiration cannot be elicited. We present a 63-year-old male with a past medical history of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease hospitalized for left thoracic empyema caused by the aspiration of a grass bur. Our patient did not recall the aspiration event and the diagnosis was further obfuscated by a lack of radiographic evidence and other distracting disease processes. Thus, this case exemplifies the rationale for maintaining a suspicion of foreign body aspiration even for patients with little historical or radiographic evidence to support the presence of a foreign body. This is particularly salient for patients with a tumultuous hospital course or those who fail to respond to treatment.

Safety of one 8.5-Fr pigtail catheter for postoperative continuous open gravity drainage after uniportal video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery pneumonectomy.

OBJECTIVES: Uniportal video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery pneumonectomy (U-VATS-P) is feasible and safe from a perioperative standpoint. How to choose the proper chest tube and drainage method is important in enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) protocols. In this study, we aimed to assess the safety of one 8.5-Fr (1Fr = 0.333 mm) pigtail catheter for postoperative continuous open gravity drainage after U-VATS-P. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed a single surgeon's experience with U-VATS-P for lung cancer from May 2016 to September 2022. Patients were managed with one 8.5-Fr pigtail catheter for postoperative continuous open gravity drainage after U-VATS-P. The clinical characteristics and perioperative outcomes of the patients were retrospectively analyzed. RESULTS: In total, 77 patients had one 8.5-Fr pigtail catheter placed for postoperative continuous open gravity drainage after U-VATS-P for lung cancer. The mean age was 60.9±7.39 (40-76) years; The mean FEV1 was 2.1±0.6 (l/s), and the mean FEV1% was 71.2±22.7. The median operative time was 191.38±59.32 min; the mean operative hemorrhage was 109.46±96.56 ml; the mean duration of postoperative chest tube drainage was 6.80±2.33 days; the mean drainage volumes in the first three days after operation were 186.31±50.97, 321.97±52.03, and 216.44±35.67 ml, respectively; and the mean postoperative hospital stay was 7.90±2.58 days. No patient experienced complications resulting from chest tube malfunction. Ten patients experienced minor complications. One patient with nonlife-threatening empyema and bronchopleural fistula required short rehospitalization for anti-inflammatory therapy and reintubation. Three patients with chylothorax were treated with intravenous nutrition. Four patients had atrial fibrillation that was controlled by antiarrhythmic therapy. Two patients had more thoracic hemorrhagic exudation after the operation, which was found in time and was cured effectively, so they were discharged from the hospital uneventfully after early hemostatic therapy and nutritional support. CONCLUSIONS: All patients in this study received early postoperative rehabilitation, and the rate of relevant complications was low. We therefore recommend a single 8.5-Fr pigtail catheter for postoperative continuous open gravity drainage as an effective, safe and reliable drainage method for the management of U-VATS-P.

Chest tube placement incidence when using gelatin sponge torpedoes after pulmonary radiofrequency ablation.

Purpose: To assess the efficacy of the gelatin torpedoes embolization technique after lung neoplastic lesions percutaneous radiofrequency ablation (PRFA) to reduce chest tube placement rate and hospital length of stay, and the safety of this embolization technique. Materials and methods: A total of 114 PRFA of lung neoplastic lesions performed in two centers between January 2017 and December 2022 were retrospectively reviewed. Two groups were compared, with 42 PRFA with gelatin torpedoes embolization technique (gelatin group) and 72 procedures without (control group). Procedures were performed by one of seven interventional radiologists using LeVeen CoAccess™ probe. Multivariate analyses were performed to identify risk factors for chest tube placement and hospital length of stay. Results: There was a significantly lower chest tube placement rate in the gelatin group compared to the control group (3 [7.1 %] vs. 27 [37.5 %], p < 0,001). Multivariate analysis showed a significant association between chest tube placement and gelatin torpedoes embolization technique (OR: 0.09; 95 % CI: 0.02-0.32; p = 0.0006). No significant difference was found in hospital length of stay between the two groups. Multivariate analysis did not show a significant relationship between hospital length of stay and gelatin torpedoes embolization technique. No embolic complication occurred in the gelatin group. Conclusion: Gelatin torpedoes embolization technique after PRFA of lung neoplastic lesions resulted in significantly reduced chest tube placement rate in our patient population. No significant reduction in hospital length of stay was observed. No major complication occurred in the gelatin group.

Needle aspiration versus tube thoracostomy in patients with symptomatic primary spontaneous pneumothorax: an updated meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.

Primary spontaneous pneumothorax (PSP) is an important disease commonly seen in young males. While incidentally diagnosed cases can be managed conservatively, symptomatic patients often necessitate intervention. Chest tube placement (tube thoracostomy) is commonly used, at least in the USA as a primary treatment modality, which requires hospitalization. On the other hand, needle aspiration (NA) has been widely adopted due to simplicity and reported efficacy and safety. No consensus is reached regarding superiority and/or preferred modality, with a lack of guidelines agreement. Therefore, we conducted an updated meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials comparing NA to tube thoracostomy in patients with symptomatic PSP. Prespecified outcomes were immediate success rate, 12-month recurrence rate, post intervention complications rate, and hospital length of stay. We identified and pooled data from six randomized trials, with a total of 759 patients and a median follow up of 12 months. Our analysis showed that NA and tube thoracostomy have similar immediate success rate and 12-month recurrence rate. We also found that NA has less complication rate, need for surgical intervention, and less hospital stays. In conclusion, our review showed that in symptomatic patients with PSP, NA is as effective as tube thoracostomy regarding immediate success rate and 12-month recurrence rate, with the added benefit of less complications rate and need for surgical intervention.

A Multidisciplinary Curriculum to Standardize Chest Procedures Training for Trainees in General Surgery, Emergency Medicine, and Critical Care.

Introduction: Critical care, emergency medicine, and surgical trainees frequently perform surgical and Seldinger-technique tube thoracostomy, thoracentesis, and thoracic ultrasound. However, approaches to teaching these skills are highly heterogeneous. Over 10 years, we have developed a standardized, multidisciplinary curriculum to teach these procedures. Methods: Emergency medicine residents, surgical residents, and critical care fellows, all in the first year of their respective programs, underwent training in surgical and Seldinger chest tube placement and securement, thoracentesis, and thoracic ultrasound. The curriculum included preworkshop instructional videos and 45-minute in-person practice stations (3.5 hours total). Sessions were co-led by faculty from emergency medicine, thoracic surgery, and pulmonary/critical care who performed real-time formative assessment with standardized procedural steps. Postcourse surveys assessed learners' confidence before versus after the workshop in each procedure, learners' evaluations of faculty by station and specialty, and the workshop overall. Results: One hundred twenty-three trainees completed course evaluations, demonstrating stable and positive responses from learners of different backgrounds taught by a multidisciplinary group of instructors, as well as statistically significant improvement in learner confidence in each procedure. Over time, we have made incremental changes to our curriculum based on feedback from instructors and learners. Discussion: We have developed a unique curriculum designed, revised, and taught by a multidisciplinary faculty over many years to teach a unified approach to the performance of common chest procedures to surgical, emergency medicine, and critical care trainees. Our curriculum can be readily adapted to the needs of institutions that desire a standardized, multidisciplinary approach to thoracic procedural education.

Early chest tube removal within 6 hours after thoracic surgery results in improved postoperative prognosis and no adverse effects.

Background: Advances in minimally invasive surgery and drainage systems have caused earlier chest-tube-removal. This retrospective study aimed to assess the safety of early chest tube removal using the institution's new criteria 6 hours after thoracic surgery. Methods: Elective thoracic surgery patients from 2017 to 2023 were reviewed for meeting or not meeting the newer institutional requirement for early chest tube removal; (I) no air leak detected under the digital drainage device observation; (II) no fluid drainage of ≥100 mL/h; (III) no ≥3 combined risks [male, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), body mass index (BMI) of <18.5 kg/m2, severe pleural adhesion, upper lobe lobectomy, or left upper division segmentectomy]. The incidence of adverse events, including chest tube replacement, subcutaneous tube placement, and postoperative thoracentesis, were investigated for 1 month postoperatively. Perioperative outcomes and factors involved in conventional chest tube removal were also assessed. Results: Of the 942 patient charts reviewed, 244 (25.9%) met the criteria for chest tube removal within 6 hours postoperatively. This patient group did not experience adverse events. They also demonstrated shorter postoperative hospital stay (4 vs. 6 days, P<0.001), and lesser postoperative complications (7.4% vs. 25.6%, P<0.001) compared to those for whom early chest tube removal was not done. A correlation with thoracotomy, COPD, and steroid and/or immunosuppressant use was observed for patients in the conventional chest tube removal group. Conclusions: Early chest tube removal after 6 postoperative hours was deemed safe for a selected group of patients who met the criteria for early chest tube removal. This study would support the potential expansion of our early removal criteria.

Incidence of radiographic and clinically significant pneumothorax or hemothorax after thoracic discectomy via mini-open lateral retropleural approach without prophylactic chest tube placement.

OBJECTIVE: The mini-open lateral retropleural (MO-LRP) approach is an effective option for surgically treating thoracic disc herniations, but the approach raises concerns for pneumothorax (PTX). However, chest tube placement causes insertion site tenderness, necessitates consultation services, increases radiation exposure (requires multiple radiographs), delays the progression of care, and increases narcotic requirements. This study examined the incidence of radiographic and clinically significant PTX and hemothorax (HTX) after the MO-LRP approach, without the placement of a prophylactic chest tube, for thoracic disc herniation. METHODS: This study was a single-institution retrospective evaluation of consecutive cases from 2017 to 2022. Electronic medical records were reviewed, including postoperative chest radiographs, radiology and operative reports, and postoperative notes. The presence of PTX or HTX was determined on chest radiographs obtained in all patients immediately after surgery, with interval radiographs if either was present. The size was categorized as large (≥ 3 cm) or small (< 3 cm) based on guidelines of the American College of Chest Physicians. PTX or HTX was considered clinically significant if it required intervention. RESULTS: Thirty patients underwent thoracic discectomy via the MO-LRP approach. All patients were included. Twenty patients were men (67%), and 10 (33%) were women. The patients ranged in age from 25 to 74 years. The most commonly treated level was T11-12 (n = 11, 37%). Intraoperative violation of parietal pleura occurred in 5 patients (17%). No patient had prophylactic chest tube placement. Fifteen patients (50%) had PTX on postoperative chest radiographs; 2 patients had large PTXs, and 13 had small PTXs. Both patients with large PTXs had expansion on repeat radiographs and were treated with chest tube insertion. Of the 13 patients with a small PTX, 1 required 100% oxygen using a nonrebreather mask; the remainder were asymptomatic. One patient, who had no abnormal findings on the immediate postoperative chest radiograph, developed an incidental HTX on postoperative day 6 and was treated with chest tube insertion. Thus, 3 patients (10%) required a chest tube: 2 for expanding PTX and 1 for delayed HTX. CONCLUSIONS: Most patients who undergo thoracic discectomy via the MO-LRP approach do not develop clinically significant PTX or HTX. PTX and HTX in this patient population should be treated with a chest tube only when there are postoperative clinical and radiographic indications.

Postoperative day 1 discharge following subxiphoid thoracoscopic anatomical lung resection: a single-centre, postoperative enhanced recovery experience.

OBJECTIVES: The goal of this study was to assess the safety and quality of recovery (QOR) after discharge on postoperative day (POD) 1 following subxiphoid thoracoscopic anatomical lung resection within an advanced Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS) program. METHODS: A retrospective analysis of prospectively collected data was conducted. Characteristics, perioperative and outcome data, compliance with ERAS pathways and a home-transition QOR survey were analysed using a multivariable logistic regression model. RESULTS: From January 2020 to January 2022, a total of 201 consecutive patients underwent subxiphoid multiportal thoracoscopic anatomical lung resection, comprising 108 lobectomies and 93 sublobar resections (SLRs) (59 complex SLRs and 34 simple SLRs). Among them, 113 patients (56%) were discharged on POD 1, 49% after a lobectomy, 59% after a simple sublobar resection and 68% after a complex sublobar resection. In the multivariable analysis, age > 74 years and duration of the operation were associated with discharge after POD 1, whereas forced expiratory volume in 1 s and complex SLRs were associated with discharge on POD 1. Chest tube removal was achieved on POD 0 in 58 patients (29%), and 138 patients (69%) were free from a chest tube on POD 1. There were 13% with in-hospital morbidity, 10% with 90-day readmission (7% after POD 1 discharge and 14% in patients discharged after POD 1), and 0.5% with 90-day mortality. Patients discharged on POD 1 showed better compliance with the ERAS pathway with early chest tube removal and opioid-free analgesia. The home-transition QOR survey reported a better experience of returning home after discharge on POD 1 and similar pain scores. CONCLUSIONS: Postoperative day 1 discharge can be safely achieved in appropriately selected patients after subxiphoid thoracoscopic anatomical lung resection, with excellent outcomes and high quality of recovery, supported by early chest tube removal as a determinant ERAS pathway.

Under-Recognized Life-Threatening Vasovagal Reflex During Chest Tube Insertion.

Chest tube insertion is a common and relatively safe procedure in an emergency setting. However, a potentially fatal complication, vasovagal reflex, may be under-recognized due to its generally mild severity. We present a case of pulseless electrical activity (PEA) requiring chest compression due to vasovagal reflex during chest tube insertion for spontaneous pneumothorax. A 23-year-old male who had a history of spontaneous pneumothorax presented with left chest pain to our emergency department. Based on point-of-care ultrasonography and chest radiography, we made a diagnosis of recurrent pneumothorax. Although he had stable vital signs and received adequate pain control, during chest tube insertion, he developed severe sinus bradycardia with a six-second pause, leading to PEA requiring chest compressions. After a few compressions, his heart rate increased and he regained consciousness. He underwent video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery for pneumothorax and was discharged without complications. Vasovagal reflex during chest tube insertion in young patients with spontaneous pneumothorax may cause severe bradycardia and cardiac arrest. Physicians should be aware of this rare but potentially fatal complication and be prepared with appropriate measures, such as pre-administration of atropine, before chest tube insertion.

Comparison of Observation Alone Versus Interventional Procedures in Hemodynamically Stable Patients With Pneumothorax: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Several studies indicate that observation alone is sufficient for the management of stable pneumothorax. To compare clinical efficacy, tolerability, and safety outcomes for treating hemodynamically stable adult patients with pneumothorax, the present review compared observation alone versus interventional procedures. We searched PubMed and Google Scholar from inception until June 24, 2020, for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) comparing observational therapy with conventional therapy for the treatment of adult pneumothorax. The pediatric age group and patients with tension pneumothorax were not included. Four hundred and forty-six patients were enrolled in three RCTs. The failure rate (relative risk (RR) 4.30; 95% CI = 0.23-81.82, p = 0.33) and mortality (RR 1.01; 95% CI = 0.31-3.33, p = 0.98) of observation were comparable to those of the chest tube. Chest tube and observation both carried comparable risks of complications, including tension pneumothorax and empyema (RR 3.15; 95% CI = 0.67-1) and (RR 1.55; 95% CI = 0.21-11.56, p = 0.67), respectively. Between chest tubes and observation, there was no statistically significant difference in the duration of hospital stay. We conclude that observation is as safe and effective at treating adult patients with stable pneumothorax as a chest tube.

Advancements in the Management of Postoperative Air Leak following Thoracic Surgery: From Traditional Practices to Innovative Therapies.

Background: Postoperative air leak (PAL) is a frequent and potentially serious complication following thoracic surgery, characterized by the persistent escape of air from the lung into the pleural space. It is associated with extended hospitalizations, increased morbidity, and elevated healthcare costs. Understanding the mechanisms, risk factors, and effective management strategies for PAL is crucial in improving surgical outcomes. Aim: This review seeks to synthesize all known data concerning PAL, including its etiology, risk factors, diagnostic approaches, and the range of available treatments from conservative measures to surgical interventions, with a special focus on the use of autologous plasma. Materials and Methods: A comprehensive literature search of databases such as PubMed, Cochrane Library, and Google Scholar was conducted for studies and reviews published on PAL following thoracic surgery. The selection criteria aimed to include articles that provided insights into the incidence, mechanisms, risk assessment, diagnostic methods, and treatment options for PAL. Special attention was given to studies detailing the use of autologous plasma in managing this complication. Results: PAL is influenced by a variety of patient-related, surgical, and perioperative factors. Diagnosis primarily relies on clinical observation and imaging, with severity assessments guiding management decisions. Conservative treatments, including chest tube management and physiotherapy, serve as the initial approach, while persistent leaks may necessitate surgical intervention. Autologous plasma has emerged as a promising treatment, offering a novel mechanism for enhancing pleural healing and reducing air leak duration, although evidence is still evolving. Conclusions: Effective management of PAL requires a multifaceted approach tailored to the individual patient's needs and the specifics of their condition. Beyond the traditional treatment approaches, innovative treatment modalities offer the potential to improve outcomes for patients experiencing PAL after thoracic surgery. Further research is needed to optimize treatment protocols and integrate new therapies into clinical practice.

Determining optimal air leak resolution criteria when using digital pleural drainage device after lung resection.

Objective: There is limited clinical evidence to support any specific parenchymal air leak resolution criteria when using digital pleural drainage devices following lung resection. The aim of this study is to determine an optimal air leak resolution criteria, where duration of chest tube drainage is minimized while avoiding complications from premature chest tube removal. Methods: Airflow data averaged at 10-minute intervals was collected prospectively using a digital pleural drainage device (Thopaz; Medela) in 400 patients from 2015 to 2019. All permutations of air leak resolution criteria from <10 to 100 mL/minute for 4 to 12 hours were applied retrospectively to the pleural drainage data to determine air leak duration, and air leak recurrence frequency and volume. Air leak recurrence indicates potential for rather than occurrence of adverse events. Descriptive statistics were used to identify the optimal criteria based on patient safety (low frequency and volume of air leak recurrences), and efficiency (shortest initial air leak duration). Results: The majority of the 400 patients underwent lobectomy (57% [227 out of 400]), wedge resections (29% [115 out of 400]), or segmentectomies (8% [32 out of 400]) for lung cancer (90% [360 out of 400]). An airflow threshold <50 mL/minute resulted in longer air leak duration before meeting the criteria for air leak resolution (P < .0001). Air leak recurrence frequency and volume were greater in patients with a monitoring period <8 consecutive hours (P < .0001). Conclusions: When using a digital pleural drainage device, a postoperative air leak resolution criteria <50 mL/minute for 8 consecutive hours was associated with the best safety and efficiency profile.

Does pre-injury anticoagulation make chest tubes any less safe? A nationwide retrospective analysis.

BACKGROUND: Oral anticoagulation is becoming more common with the aging population, which raises concern for the risk of invasive procedures that can cause bleeding, such as chest tube placement (thoracostomy). With the increase in CT imaging, more pneumothoraces and hemothoraces are being identified. The relative risk of thoracostomy in the presence of anticoagulation is not well-established. The objective of this study was to determine whether pre-injury anticoagulation affects the relative risk of tube thoracostomy following significant chest trauma. METHODS: This retrospective cohort study used data from the 2019 American College of Surgeons-Trauma Quality Program (ACS-TQP) database using R version 4.2.2. Data from the database was filtered based on inclusion and exclusion criteria. Outcomes were then assessed with the population of interest. Demographics, vitals, comorbidities, and injury parameters were also collected for each patient. This study included all adult patients (≥18 years) presenting with traumatic hemothorax, pneumothorax, or hemopneumothorax. Patients with missing data in demographics, vitals, comorbidities, injury parameters, or outcomes, as well as those with no signs of life upon arrival, were excluded from the study. Patients were stratified into groups based on whether they had pre-injury anticoagulation and whether they had a chest tube placed in the hospital. The primary outcome was mortality, and the secondary outcome was hospital length of stay (LOS). Logistic and standard regressions were used by a statistician to control for age, sex, and Injury Severity Score (ISS). RESULTS: Our study population included 72,385 patients (4250 with pre-injury anticoagulation and 68,135 without pre-injury anticoagulation). Pre-injury anticoagulation and thoracostomy were each independently associated with increased mortality and LOS. However, there was a non-significant interaction term between pre-injury anticoagulation and thoracostomy for both outcomes, indicating that their combined effects on mortality and LOS did not differ significantly from the sum of their individual effects. CONCLUSION: This study suggests that both pre-injury anticoagulation and thoracostomy are risk factors for mortality and increased LOS in adult patients presenting with hemothorax, pneumothorax, or hemopneumothorax, but they do not interact with each other. We recommend further study of this phenomenon to potentially improve clinical guidelines. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapeutic, Level III.

Enhanced recovery after surgery program focusing on chest tube management improves surgical recovery after video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery.

OBJECTIVE: Chest drainage is a standard procedure in thoracoscopic surgery for lung cancer. However, chest tube placement may deteriorate the ventilation capacity and increase difficulty of postoperative management of patients. The study investigated on the effects of enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) program focusing on chest tube management on surgical recovery of lung cancer patients. METHODS: The study population consisted of 60 patients undergoing video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) after implementation of ERAS program and another group of 60 patients undergoing VATS before implementation of ERAS program. RESULTS: The mean time of first food intake was 12.9 h required for the ERAS group, which was significantly shorter than 18.4 h required for the control group (p < 0.0001). The mean time of out-of-bed activity was 14.2 h taken for the ERAS group, which was notably shorter than 22.8 h taken for the control group (p < 0.0001). The duration of chest tube placement was 68.6 h in the ERAS group, which was remarkably shorter than 92.8 h in the control group (p < 0.0001). The rate overall postoperative complications were notably lower in the ERAS group than in the control group (p = 0.018). The visual analogue score (VAS) scores on the second postoperative day exhibited significant differences between the ERAS group and the control group (p = 0.017). The patients in the ERAS group had a shorter hospitalization stay than those in the control group (p < 0.0001). CONCLUSION: The study suggests the ERAS program focusing on chest tube management could improve surgical recovery, remove patient chest tube earlier, and relieve patient pain after VATS.

Combination of Pulmonary Tractotomy and Free Subcutaneous Fat Pad Coverage for Iatrogenic Lung Injury Caused by Chest Tube Insertion.

Iatrogenic lung injury caused by chest tube insertion is a potential complication that requires careful attention, and thoracic surgeons should be knowledgeable about the appropriate management strategies if complications arise. This report describes a successful procedure for treating an iatrogenic lung injury. An 80-year-old Japanese man with severe emphysema complaining of breathlessness was diagnosed with a right secondary pneumothorax. Computed tomography revealed moderate adhesions in the thoracic cavity. Chest tube drainage was performed. Lung expansion was insufficient and massive air leakage continued. Repeat computed tomography showed the chest tube inserted into the right upper lobe. Thus, pulmonary tractotomy followed by free fat pad coverage was performed to successfully treat the iatrogenic lung injury caused by chest tube insertion. Since no air leakage was observed postoperatively, the chest tube was removed on the third postoperative day. The patient was discharged after two weeks of rehabilitation. Pulmonary tractotomy combined with free subcutaneous fat pad coverage would be effective for repairing iatrogenic lung injuries in patients with severe emphysema.

[Prehospital chest tube placement: Which factors are associated with feeling confident to perform the procedure?] / Prähospitale Anlage von Thoraxdrainagen: Welche Faktoren sind mit einem subjektivem Sicherheitsgefühl assoziiert?

BACKGROUND: The prehospital placement of chest tubes is a rare but potentially life-saving procedure. A high level of subjective confidence with the procedure is essential for emergency medical doctors. This study aims to identify if there is a statistically significant difference in the subjective sense of confidence in prehospital chest tube placement regarding medical experience and qualification, clinical routine, and attendance at simulation courses. METHODS: Prehospital emergency physicians of three emergency medical services in Southwest Saxony, Greifswald, and Vechta, Germany, were invited to participate in an online survey from January to March 2022 using the online survey service limesurvey. The question "Do you feel confident in chest tube placement?" was used to measure the subjective level of confidence. Answers were compared with data concerning medical qualification, experience in prehospital emergency medicine, clinical routine, and attendance at simulation courses. Statistical analysis was performed using chi-squared test and Fisher's exact test. RESULTS: Three out of four participants felt confident in chest tube placement (53/71; 74.6%). More than half of the participants reported that they did not perform this procedure regularly (35/53, 66%). Subjective confidence was highest in physicians who regularly place chest tubes during their non-prehospital work (34/37; 91,9%; p<0.001), and more often when participants had clinical routine and attended simulation courses than when none of this applied (p=0.012). Attendance at simulation courses alone was not associated with a higher level of confidence (p=0.002). Specialists showed significantly more often subjective confidence in chest tube placement (p=0.0401). CONCLUSION: Prehospital chest tube placement is rare, but potentially lifesaving. An adequately high level of subjective confidence in the placement of chest tubes is a key condition for prehospital emergency doctors. Inhospital clinical routine and attendance at simulation courses are significantly associated with high levels of confidence. Our data indicate that working only in prehospital emergency settings without further clinical routine or medical specialization is not sufficient for achieving and ensuring subjective confidence in chest tube placement.

Chest Tube Size Selection: Evaluating Provider Practices, Treatment Efficacy, and Complications in Management of Thoracic Trauma.

BACKGROUND: The standard for managing traumatic pneumothorax (PTX), hemothorax (HTX), and hemopneumothorax (HPTX) has historically been large-bore (LB) chest tubes (>20-Fr). Previous studies have shown equal efficacy of small-bore (SB) chest tubes (≤19-Fr) in draining PTX and HTX/HPTX. This study aimed to evaluate provider practice patterns, treatment efficacy, and complications related to the selection of chest tube sizes for patients with thoracic trauma. METHODS: A retrospective chart review was performed on adult patients who underwent tube thoracostomy for traumatic PTX, HTX, or HPTX at a Level 1 Trauma Center from January 2016 to December 2021. Comparison was made between SB and LB thoracostomy tubes. The primary outcome was indication for chest tube placement based on injury pattern. Secondary outcomes included retained hemothorax, insertion-related complications, and duration of chest tube placement. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed. RESULTS: Three hundred and forty-one patients were included and 297 (87.1%) received LB tubes. No significant differences were found between the groups concerning tube failure and insertion-related complications. LB tubes were more frequently placed in patients with penetrating MOI, higher average ISS, and higher average thoracic AIS. Patients who received LB chest tubes experienced a higher incidence of retained HTX. DISCUSSION: In patients with thoracic trauma, both SB and LB chest tubes may be used for treatment. SB tubes are typically placed in nonemergent situations, and there is apparent provider bias for LB tubes. A future randomized clinical trial is needed to provide additional data on the usage of SB tubes in emergent situations.