title: Survey on chest drainage systems adopted in Europe.
abstract: The aim of this survey, promoted by the European Society of Thoracic Surgeons, was to acquire information and advice from 'the field' in order to promote development of technology for thoracic surgery and to provide information for future guidelines on chest drainage. Society members were offered a questionnaire on the European Society of Thoracic Surgeons website (November 2006) composed of seven sections comprehending 21 detailed items. The questionnaire was completed by 120 centres, 100% performed lung surgery, 91.6% mediastinal surgery, 54.1% oesophageal surgery, 10% cardiothoracic surgery. The PVC straight drain (mean 55.9%) and silicon drain (mean 38.4%), water-valve/water suction disposable chest drainage collection system (mean 43.4%), one bottle (mean 24.8%), and two bottles with suction control (mean 18.2%), were the most frequently used. After pneumonectomy 51.2% used a balanced drainage system, 9% periodical thoracocentesis, 39.8% others. In 57.5-92% drainage suction was stopped <or=4 postoperative days and in 8-42.5% >4 postoperative days. In 17.6-60.7% drains were removed <or=4 postoperative days and in 39.3-82.4% >4 postoperative days. The survey demonstrates a trend toward the use of updated technical devices, high consideration of the costs, and clinical practice based on personal preferences.
authors: Division of Oesophageal and Pulmonary Surgery, University of Bologna, Villa Maria Cecilia e San Pier Damiano Hospitals, Cotignola and Faenza, Ravenna, Italy. sandro.mattioli@unibo.it
authors: Sandro
authors: S
authors: Mattioli
authors: Richard G
authors: RG
authors: Berrisford
authors: Maria Luisa
authors: ML
authors: Lugaresi
authors: Beatrice
authors: B
authors: Aramini
mesh_terms: D015505:Chest Tubes / Q000191:economics; D002983:Clinical Competence; D003362:Cost-Benefit Analysis; D004322:Drainage / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000191:economics / Q000295:instrumentation*; D004867:Equipment Design; D005060:Europe; D019538:Health Care Surveys; D006801:Humans; D011182:Postoperative Care; D017410:Practice Guidelines as Topic; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D019616:Thoracic Surgical Procedures / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000191:economics / Q000295:instrumentation*; D016896:Treatment Outcome