Our Summary

This research paper looks at the use of chest drain suction after lung surgery. Typically, a suction level of -20 cm H2O is used after lung removal surgery. However, new guidelines suggested using a lower suction level of -8 cm H2O for certain types of lung surgeries.

The researchers reviewed data from 155 patients who had lung surgery to see what happened when they used the lower suction level. The average age of these patients was about 61 years old. Most of them had surgery that used a camera to help guide the surgeons, while a smaller number had surgery with the help of a robot.

The surgeries varied from removing a lobe of the lung, removing a segment of the lung, or just removing a small piece of the lung. The time patients had to keep the chest drain varied, but on average it was 1 day. The average length of stay in the hospital was 3 days.

The researchers concluded that it’s safe to use the lower suction level of -8 cm H2O after these types of lung surgeries. They suggest that more studies should be done to compare different suction levels.

FAQs

  1. What is the traditional suction level used after lung removal surgery, and what is the new suggested level?
  2. What types of lung surgeries were examined in this study?
  3. What were the researchers’ conclusions about using a lower suction level after lung surgeries?

Doctor’s Tip

A doctor might tell a patient undergoing lung resection surgery that using a lower suction level of -8 cm H2O for their chest drain after surgery has been shown to be safe and effective in certain cases. This can help reduce discomfort and complications after surgery, and potentially lead to a quicker recovery. It’s important to follow your doctor’s recommendations for post-operative care to ensure the best possible outcome.

Suitable For

Patients who are typically recommended for lung resection surgery include those with:

  1. Lung cancer: Lung resection is often recommended for patients with early-stage lung cancer to remove the tumor and potentially cure the disease.

  2. Emphysema: Lung volume reduction surgery may be recommended for patients with severe emphysema to improve lung function and quality of life.

  3. Lung infections: Patients with abscesses or other severe lung infections may require lung resection to remove the infected tissue.

  4. Lung nodules: Patients with suspicious lung nodules may undergo lung resection to biopsy or remove the nodules for further evaluation.

  5. Lung trauma: Patients with severe lung injuries from accidents or other trauma may require lung resection to repair the damage.

  6. Bronchiectasis: Patients with severe bronchiectasis that does not respond to other treatments may require lung resection to remove damaged lung tissue.

Overall, lung resection may be recommended for a variety of conditions that affect the lungs, and the decision to undergo surgery is based on individual patient factors and the specific nature of the lung disease.

Timeline

Before lung resection:

  • Patient undergoes pre-operative evaluation and preparation
  • Patient may undergo imaging tests such as CT scans or X-rays
  • Patient may undergo pulmonary function tests
  • Patient may meet with a thoracic surgeon to discuss the procedure and potential risks
  • Patient may need to stop certain medications before surgery

After lung resection:

  • Patient is placed on a ventilator during surgery
  • Chest tube is placed to drain fluid and air from the chest cavity
  • Patient is monitored in the intensive care unit (ICU) after surgery
  • Patient may need to remain on a ventilator for a period of time after surgery
  • Patient may experience pain and discomfort post-operatively
  • Patient is gradually weaned off the ventilator and chest tube is removed
  • Patient begins physical therapy to improve lung function
  • Patient is discharged from the hospital after a period of recovery
  • Patient undergoes follow-up appointments with their surgeon to monitor recovery and lung function.

What to Ask Your Doctor

  1. What type of lung surgery will I be undergoing and why is it necessary?
  2. What are the potential risks and complications associated with lung resection surgery?
  3. How long will I need to stay in the hospital after the surgery?
  4. What is the typical recovery time and when can I expect to return to normal activities?
  5. What type of follow-up care will be needed after the surgery?
  6. Will I need to use a chest drain after the surgery, and if so, for how long?
  7. What is the usual suction level used for chest drains after lung surgery, and why is a lower suction level being considered in this study?
  8. What are the potential benefits of using a lower suction level of -8 cm H2O after lung surgery?
  9. Are there any specific criteria that need to be met in order to use the lower suction level after surgery?
  10. Are there any ongoing studies or research related to chest drain suction levels after lung surgery that I should be aware of?

Reference

Authors: Yaftian N, Dunne B, Ferrari I, Antippa P. Journal: ANZ J Surg. 2022 May;92(5):1056-1059. doi: 10.1111/ans.17645. Epub 2022 Mar 30. PMID: 35352444