−8 cm H2O, the new paradigm in chest drain management following thoracoscopic lung resection?

Abstract

Background: Chest drain suction of −20 cm H2O has been used universally after lung resection. After introducing new guidelines,−8 cm H2O was used routinely for all non-pneumonectomy, thoracoscopic lung resections. We conducted a review to determine outcomes and safety. Methods: After introduction of the guidelines data were collected in the study institutions' thoracic surgical database and subsequently analysed. Results: A total of 155 patients underwent thoracoscopic lung resection. Mean patient age was 61.5 ± 13.6 years. Video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery was performed in 92.2% (144/155) of patients and robotically-assisted thoracoscopic surgery was performed in 7.8% (12/155) of patient..