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An initial experience with a digital drainage system during the postoperative period of pediatric thoracic surgery
Altair da Silva Costa1,2,3, Thiago Bachichi1, Caio Holanda1
1Disciplina de Cirurgia Torácica, Departamento de Cirurgia, Hospital São Paulo, Escola Paulista de Medicina, Universidade Federal de São Paulo, São Paulo (SP) Brasil.
Insights
This study shows a digital drainage system aids pediatric thoracic surgery by accurately quantifying air leaks. The system improved decision-making and reduced errors in postoperative care for young patients.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Surgery
- Thoracic Surgery
- Medical Devices
Background:
- Postoperative management in pediatric thoracic surgery requires precise monitoring of air leaks.
- Traditional methods for assessing air leaks can be subjective and prone to interpretation errors.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the initial experience and effectiveness of a novel digital drainage system in pediatric thoracic surgery patients.
- To assess the system's impact on air leak quantification, biosafety, and clinical outcomes.
Main Methods:
- A prospective observational study included 11 pediatric patients (≤14 years) undergoing pulmonary resection.
- The digital drainage system was used to quantify air leaks, alongside monitoring drainage duration, hospital stay, and complications.
Main Results:
- The digital system accurately measured air leak flow (mean max 92.78 mL/min).
- Mean hospital stay was 4.9 days and mean drainage duration was 2.5 days.
- Two patients experienced complications (atelectasis, pneumonia), with the system aiding management.
Conclusions:
- The digital drainage system facilitates postoperative decision-making in pediatric thoracic surgery.
- It reduces the risk of errors in interpreting and managing air leaks.
- This technology offers a promising advancement for patient care.
Objective::
To report an initial experience with a digital drainage system during the postoperative period of pediatric thoracic surgery.
Methods::
This was a prospective observational study involving consecutive patients, ≤ 14 years of age, treated at a pediatric thoracic surgery outpatient clinic, for whom pulmonary resection (lobectomy or segmentectomy via muscle-sparing thoracotomy) was indicated. The parameters evaluated were air leak (as quantified with the digital system), biosafety, duration of drainage, length of hospital stay, and complications. The digital system was used in 11 children (mean age, 5.9 ± 3.3 years). The mean length of hospital stay was 4.9 ± 2.6 days, the mean duration of drainage was 2.5 ± 0.7 days, and the mean drainage volume was 270.4 ± 166.7 mL. The mean maximum air leak flow was 92.78 ± 95.83 mL/min (range, 18-338 mL/min). Two patients developed postoperative complications (atelectasis and pneumonia, respectively). The use of this digital system facilitated the decision-making process during the postoperative period, reducing the risk of errors in the interpretation and management of air leaks.
Objetivo::
Relatar a experiência inicial com um sistema de drenagem digital no pós-operatório de cirurgia torácica pediátrica.
MéTodos::
Estudo observacional e prospectivo envolvendo pacientes consecutivos do ambulatório de cirurgia torácica pediátrica da instituição, com idade até 14 anos, e com indicação de ressecção pulmonar (lobectomia e/ou segmentectomia através de toracotomia poupadora muscular). Os parâmetros avaliados foram perda aérea (quantificada com o sistema digital), biossegurança, tempo de drenagem, tempo de internação e complicações.
Resultados::
O sistema digital foi utilizado em 11 crianças, com média de idade de 5,9 ± 3,3 anos. A média do tempo de internação foi de 4,9 ± 2,6 dias, a de tempo de drenagem foi de 2,5 ± 0,7 dias, e a de volume de drenagem foi de 270,4 ± 166,7 ml. A média da perda aérea máxima foi de 92,78 ± 95,83 ml/min (variação, 18-338 ml/min). Dois pacientes apresentaram complicações pós-operatórias (atelectasia e pneumonia, respectivamente).
ConclusõEs::
O uso desse sistema digital facilitou a tomada de decisão durante o pós-operatório, diminuindo o risco de erros na interpretação e no manejo da perda aérea.
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