Thoracoscopic Surgery Without Drainage Tube Placement for Peripheral Lung Nodules

Area of Science:

• Thoracic Surgery
• Minimally Invasive Procedures
• Pulmonary Medicine

Background:

• Chest tube drainage is standard after thoracoscopic pulmonary resection.
• A drainless approach may be feasible for select patients.
• The safety and efficacy of drainless thoracoscopic surgery for lung nodules require investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the safety and effectiveness of a drainless approach versus traditional drainage.
• To determine if a drainless approach reduces hospital stay after thoracoscopic surgery for peripheral lung nodules.

Main Methods:

• A single-center, prospective, randomized controlled trial was conducted.
• Patients undergoing uniportal thoracoscopic wedge resection for peripheral lung nodules were randomized.
• The primary endpoint was postoperative hospital stay duration.

Main Results:

• The drainless group had significantly shorter hospital stays (1.2 vs 2.6 days) and surgery duration.
• Lower postoperative pain and reduced medical costs were observed in the drainless group.
• While residual pneumothorax occurred, it was mostly transient and resolved without intervention.

Conclusions:

• Uniportal thoracoscopic wedge resection without drainage is feasible and safe for selected patients.
• The drainless approach offers benefits including shorter hospital stays and reduced costs.
• This technique represents a safe alternative for specific patient populations undergoing pulmonary resection.