Study on Early Chest Tube Removal After Video Assisted Thoracic Surgery Evaluating Safety and Patient Outcomes Following Lung Segment or Lobe Resection

What this Trial Is About

Researchers are evaluating the safety and feasibility of removing chest tubes on the same day in patients undergoing Video Assisted Thoracic Surgery VATS for anatomical lung resections such as segmental or lobar surgeries. This prospective clinical trial aims to improve post-operative care by assessing early chest tube removal compared to routine care, addressing patient discomfort, narcotic use, and potential chronic pain from prolonged chest tube maintenance. The study builds on earlier findings that early removal after minor lung wedge resections reduced opioid use and hospitalization time without adverse effects. Participants are assigned to one of two groups early chest tube removal approximately 3 hours after surgery or standard post-operative chest tube care. The study focuses on patients undergoing elective VATS segmental or lobar lung resections. The trial is conducted at a single center and monitors outcomes up to 30 days post-operation, including chest tube removal success rates, quality of life, opioid use, and complications. During the study, participants will have their chest tubes managed according to their assigned group and will be monitored for outcomes such as successful early removal, pleural reinterventions, complications, chest tube duration, unplanned returns to care, and length of hospital stay. Quality of life is assessed using the EuroQol 5 Dimension 5 Level EQ5D5L score, and opioid use is measured by morphine equivalents on the first postoperative day. Follow-up evaluations continue through 30 days after surgery to ensure safety and collect patient-reported outcomes.

Patient Reported Outcomes Targeting Early Chest Tube Removal (PROTECTR) Study