Study of Biofilm Formation on Chest Drains After Thoracic Surgery and Its Impact on Infection and Antibiotic Resistance

What this Trial Is About

Researchers are studying the presence and impact of biofilms on thoracic chest drains used after thoracic surgery. Biofilms are groups of bacteria that stick to surfaces and may lead to infections or antibiotic resistance. This observational study aims to understand how often biofilms form on chest drains and how they relate to the length of time the drain is in place, as well as antibiotic resistance patterns of the bacteria found. Participants are divided into three groups based on how long their chest drains were in place after surgery 2 days or less, 3 to 4 days, and 5 days or longer. At the time of chest drain removal, small samples from the drain tips will be collected under sterile conditions and analyzed in the laboratory to detect biofilm formation, identify bacteria, and assess their resistance to antibiotics. During the study, researchers will collect these drain tip samples and monitor postoperative outcomes such as infections like empyema or wound infections and length of hospital stay. The main outcome measured is the presence and amount of biofilm on the drain tips between postoperative days 1 and 7. The study aims to improve understanding of drain management and infection prevention after thoracic surgery. Participation lasts until chest drain removal and sample analysis.

Biofilm on Chest Drains After Thoracic Surgery: Clinical Impact and Antibiotic Resistance