Chest Tube Management following Lung Resection in Pediatric patients

Topic overview

New article you should know about by @gigenace
"Chest Tube Management following Lung Resection in Pediatric patients"

Authors: Schnuck J.K., Javid P.J, Riehle KJ, Rothstein DH

Full article: https://www.jpedsurg.org/article/S0022-3468(23)00171-9/fulltext

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 postoperative 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

Intended audience: Healthcare professionals and clinicians.