Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 13, 2025

Subcostal Specimen Removal in Completely Portal Robotic Lobectomy
Published on: April 19, 2024
Lower Recurrence Rate After Surgical Treatment for Primary Spontaneous Pneumothorax Using a Digital Chest Drainage
Peter Sze-Yuen Yu1, Kin Wai Chan2, Kevin Lim1
1Division of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Department of Surgery, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Prince of Wales Hospital, Hong Kong.
Objective:
This study assessed the impact of digital chest drainage systems for patients undergoing video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) pleurodesis for primary spontaneous pneumothorax (PSP) as compared with conventional chest drainage.
Methods:
A retrospective analysis of patients who underwent VATS pleurodesis for PSP was conducted. The primary outcome was pneumothorax recurrence, while secondary outcomes included time to mobilization, degree of lung expansion, drainage duration, and length of hospital stay. These measures were expressed as average treatment effect and subsequently compared after propensity score adjustment.
Results:
In total, 125 consecutive patients over a 64-month period were analyzed, with 55 patients in the digital drainage system group and 70 patients in the conventional drainage system group. After propensity score adjustment, the use of a digital drainage system was significantly associated with earlier mobilization (-2.22 days, P < 0.001) and lower rate of recurrence (-11.2%, P = 0.049).
Conclusions:
The digital drainage system facilitated earlier postoperative free mobilization and resulted in lower pneumothorax recurrence rates.
Related Concept Videos
Pneumothorax-II
Clinical Manifestations:
Endoscopic Studies II: Thoracocentesis
Description
Excess pleural fluid or air may accumulate in some respiratory disorders in the thoracic cavity. To treat pleural effusion, a physician conducts thoracentesis by carefully piercing the chest wall and entering...
Flail Chest-II
Assessment:
1. Clinical Evaluation:
History:
Oxygen Delivering System II: Venturi Mask and Transtracheal Oxygen
Venturi Mask
The Venturi mask, named after the Venturi effect, is designed to deliver precise oxygen concentrations. It consists of a large tube with an oxygen inlet that narrows down, causing a pressure drop that pulls air in through adjustable side ports. The mask is a lightweight,...
Chest Physiotherapy
Purpose
CPT is primarily used for patients with excessive bronchial secretions who have difficulty clearing...
Pneumothorax-I
Pneumothorax can be even further classified as spontaneous, traumatic, and tension pneumothorax.

