A novel and safe technique in closed tube thoracostomy.
BACKGROUND
Tube thoracostomy (TT) is the most commonly performed surgical procedure in thoracic surgery clinics. The procedure might have to be repeated due to ineffective drainage in patients with tube malposition (TM), in whom the drain is not directed to the apex or located in the fissure. Trocar technique, which is used to prevent TM, is not recommended because of its potential for severe complications.


METHODS
The study involved 180 patients who required TT application for any etiology within one year. The patients were divided into two groups as Group A, who had undergone classical surgical technique (n = 90) and Group B, who had undergone a combination of surgery and trocar techniques (n = 90). The groups were compared for TM, the effect of TM on the drain removal, and other insertion related complications.


RESULTS
In Group A, 23 patients had TM, 4 of whom developed associated ineffective drainage, while the patients in Group B had no insertion related complications (p = 0.001). The mean drain removal time of the patients with TM was 5 +/- 2.25 days. In the patients who did not develop TM, it was 3.39 +/- 1.18 days (p = 0.001).


CONCLUSIONS
The modified combination technique is a reliable method in preventing TM and its potential complications.
Dural
Koray
K
Numune Teaching and Research Hospital, Division of Thoracic Surgery, Ankara, Turkey.
Gulbahar
Gultekin
G
Kocer
Bulent
B
Sakinci
Unal
U
D000328:Adult; D015505:Chest Tubes / Q000009:adverse effects; D004322:Drainage / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000379:methods*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D013898:Thoracic Injuries / Q000601:surgery; D013907:Thoracostomy / Q000379:methods*; D014951:Wounds, Stab / Q000601:surgery