The Society of Thoracic Surgeons Expert Consensus Document on the Management of Pleural Drains After Pulmonary Lobectomy: Expert Consensus Document.

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All Authors

Kent, MS.
Mitzman, B.
Diaz-Gutierrez, I.
Khullar, OV.
Fernando, HC.
Backhus, L.
Brunelli, A.
Cassivi, SD.
Cerfolio, RJ.
Crabtree, TD.

LTHT Author

Brunelli, Alessandro

LTHT Department

Thoracic Surgery

Non Medic

Publication Date

2024

Item Type

Journal Article
Consensus Development Conference
Practice Guideline

Language

Subject

Subject Headings

Abstract

The Society of Thoracic Surgeons Workforce on Evidence-Based Surgery provides this document on management of pleural drains after pulmonary lobectomy. The goal of this consensus document is to provide guidance regarding pleural drains in 5 specific areas: (1) choice of drain, including size, type, and number; (2) management, including use of suction vs water seal and criteria for removal; (3) imaging recommendations, including the use of daily and postpull chest roentgenograms; (4) use of digital drainage systems; and (5) management of prolonged air leak. To formulate the consensus statements, a task force of 15 general thoracic surgeons was invited to review the existing literature on this topic. Consensus was obtained using a modified Delphi method consisting of 2 rounds of voting until 75% agreement on the statements was reached. A total of 13 consensus statements are provided to encourage standardization and stimulate additional research in this important area.

Journal

Annals of Thoracic Surgery