Influence of pleural drain insertion in lung function of patients undergoing coronary artery bypass grafting

Longitudinal, prospective, randomized, blinded Trial to assess the influence of pleural drain (non-toxic PVC) site of insertion on lung function and postoperative pain of patients undergoing coronary artery bypass grafting in the first three days post-surgery and immediately after chest tube removal.

Thirty six patients scheduled for elective myocardial revascularization with cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) were randomly allocated into two groups: SX group (subxiphoid) and IC group (intercostal drain). Spirometry, arterial blood gases, and pain tests were recorded.

Thirty one patients were selected, 16 in SX group and 15 in IC group. Postoperative (PO) spirometric values were higher in SX than in IC group (p<0.05), showing less influence of pleural drain location on breathing. PaO(2) on the second PO increased significantly in SX group compared with IC group (p<0.0188). The intensity of pain before and after spirometry was lower in SX group than in IC group (p<0.005). Spirometric values were significantly increased in both groups after chest tube removal.

Drain with insertion in the subxiphoid region causes less change in lung function and discomfort, allowing better recovery of respiratory parameters.