Chest Tube (CT) Management following Lung Resection in Pediatric Patients: A Retrospective Analysis | <21 years old undergoing pulmonary lobectomy or wedge resection | Retrospective chart review | 2013-2022 | 130 procedures | 59 lobectomies (group 1) | 19 diagnostic wedges (group 2) | 52 excisional wedges (group 3) | 74.6% of group 1 patients had no air leak and median CT duration was 2 days | 89.5% of group 2 had no air leak and median CT duration was 1 day | 80.8% of group 3 had no air leak and median CT duration was 1 day | 43.1% patients had their CT removed on post-op day 1 and 21.5% on post-op day 2 | Conclusion: Most patients don't experience any air leaks, and their CTs are typically removed within two days of the surgery. In select patients undergoing lung resection, obligatory CT drainage may not be necessary. | https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jpedsurg.2023.02.051 | @EmGooteeMD | Source: Schnuck JK et.al. | Department of General Surgery, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA | @StayCurrentMD | Cincinnati Children's | Journal of Pediatric Surgery
Chest Tube Management following Lung Resection in Pediatric Patient
Infographic · Oct 2023 · 1 min read
In brief
In brief
Retrospective study of 130 pediatric lung resections found that most patients (74-90%) had no air leak and chest tubes were removed within 1-2 days postoperatively. Findings suggest obligatory chest tube drainage may not be necessary in select pediatric patients undergoing lobectomy or wedge resection.
- Most pediatric lung resection patients (74-90%) have no post-operative air leak, questioning routine chest tube necessity
- Median chest tube duration is 1-2 days across lobectomy and wedge resection procedures in children
- 43% of patients had chest tubes removed on post-op day 1, suggesting potential for earlier removal protocols
- Obligatory chest tube placement may be unnecessary in select pediatric lung resection cases based on adult literature trends
Written by the GCMD Library team from the infographic.
The infographic uses a teal and yellow color scheme with illustrated graphics including a calendar icon, a child figure, and a doctor presenting to a patient. Three arrow callouts highlight key findings for different surgical groups. The layout flows from top (study design) to middle (results by group) to bottom (conclusion).
New infographic by Dr. Em Gootee
"Chest Tube Management following Lung Resection in Pediatric Patients: A Retrospective Analysis"
Authors: Jamie K. Schnuck, Patrick J. Javid, Kimberly J. Riehle, David H. Rothstein
Full article: https://gcmd.co/3Qih5ob
Background
Pleural drainage following lung resection is almost universally practiced in pediatric surgery, but its necessity has been questioned in adult literature. We performed a cross-sectional study of pediatric patients undergoing lung resection to characterize chest tube (CT) practices and clarify their utility.
Method
Retrospective chart review of patients <21 years of age undergoing pulmonary lobectomy or wedge resection at an academic children's hospital from 2013 to 2022. Variables regarding demographics and post-operative CT management were recorded.
Results
130 procedures meet inclusion criteria: 59 lobectomies (group 1), 19 diagnostic wedges (group 2), and 52 excisional wedges (group 3). 74.6% of group 1 patients had no air leak, and median CT duration was 2 days. In group 2, 89.5% had no air leak and median CT duration was 1 day. In Group 3, 80.8% had no air leak and median CT duration was 1 day. Overall, 43.1% patients had their CT removed on post-operative day 1 and 21.5% on post-operative day 2.
Conclusion
CT duration following lung resection in pediatric patients is typically brief, with most patients having no air leak and CT removal within 2 days of surgery. Obligatory CT drainage may not be necessary in select patients undergoing lung resection.