Study Comparing Small 16F and Large 24F Chest Drains After Minimally Invasive Lung Surgery for Cancer

What this Trial Is About

Researchers are evaluating postoperative pain in patients undergoing minimally invasive pulmonary lobectomy andor segmentectomy for resectable non-small cell lung cancer NSCLC. The study compares the use of small-bore 16F chest drains to the standard large-bore 24F chest drains. It aims to determine if smaller chest tubes and earlier removal can reduce pain and improve recovery without compromising safety. This is a prospective randomized controlled trial conducted at a single center. Participants are assigned to one of four groups small-bore 16F chest tubes removed early 2 to 6 hours after surgery, small-bore tubes removed at standard time 1 day post-op, large-bore 24F tubes removed early, or large-bore tubes removed at standard time. The study monitors safety and feasibility of early chest drain removal and compares effects of tube size and timing on postoperative outcomes. During the study, pain levels are assessed multiple times within the first three days after surgery, at discharge, and during follow-ups at 30 and 180 days. Researchers also track analgesic use, duration of drainage, fluid output, hospital stay length, complications, rehospitalization, mortality, chronic pain, and quality of life. Participants can expect detailed monitoring and evaluations throughout hospitalization and at follow-up visits up to six months after surgery.

16F vs 24F Chest Drain After Minimally Invasive Lobectomy and/or Segmentectomy