What is this study trying to find out about postoperative pain after lung surgery?

This study is examining whether using smaller chest drains and removing them earlier can reduce postoperative pain in patients undergoing minimally invasive lung surgery for non-small cell lung cancer. It is conducted by University Hospital, Basel, Switzerland, to improve patient comfort and recovery after surgery. Participants will receive either small or large chest tubes with different removal times to compare outcomes.

Who may be eligible for this lung surgery clinical trial?

Adults aged 18 years or older with resectable non-small cell lung cancer scheduled for minimally invasive pulmonary lobectomy or segmentectomy may be eligible. The trial accepts all genders and requires participants to meet certain health criteria without recent thoracic surgery or chronic opioid use. Please review eligibility criteria for more details.

Is there any cost to participate in this lung surgery clinical trial?

Study-related care, including the chest drain devices, surgical procedures, and all trial visits, is provided at no cost. Personal travel expenses to and from the study site may vary and are typically not covered. Participants should plan accordingly for any transportation or lodging needs.

Actively Recruiting

Phase Not Applicable

Age: 18Years +

All Genders

ID06958848

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

Led by University Hospital, Basel, Switzerland · Updated on 2026-05-06

124

Participants Needed

Research Sites

17 weeks

Total Duration

AI-Summary

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.

CONDITIONS

Brief Title

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

Who Can Participate

Age: 18Years +

All Genders

Eligibility Criteria

You may qualify if you...

Signed informed consent from the patient (all sexes and genders)
Age 18 years or older at time of study inclusion
American Society of Anaesthesiologists (ASA) physical status classification I to IV
Patients with resectable non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) suitable for minimally invasive surgery
Undergoing minimally invasive anatomical lung resections such as lobectomy, lobectomy with wedge resection, lobectomy combined with segmentectomy, segmentectomy with wedge resection, or bilobectomy under general anaesthesia

You will not qualify if you...

Previous thoracic surgery on the same side within 3 months
Lung cancer complicated with pleural empyema
Chronic pain patients using opioids, gabapentin, or pregabalin
Current use of opiates or benzodiazepines
Congestive heart failure NYHA Class III or IV
Liver cirrhosis Child-Pugh Class B or C
Renal insufficiency requiring dialysis or eGFR below 30 mL/min/1.73 m2
Coagulopathy or bleeding disorders such as von Willebrand disease, Hemophilia, or thrombocytopenia (platelets below 50 G/l) requiring transfusion
Neuralgia
Chest pain at surgery site without painkillers measured by VAS while coughing greater than 10 mm
Unhealed rib fractures on side of surgery within last 3 months
Open anatomical lung resections including pneumonectomy
Insertion of two or more chest tubes
Need for patient-controlled intravenous or epidural anaesthesia
Patients who are intubated or sedated and unable to complete pain surveys

Research Team

Helga Bachmann, MSc Clinical Research

Makhmudbek Mallaev, MD

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