Optimising Minimally Invasive Thoracic Surgery with Thopaz⁺: Insights from Japanese ERAS Protocols

Thopaz⁺ can be universally applied, even for pneumonectomy patients

Using Digital Drainage Data for Clinical Decision-Making

Dr. Suzuki then discussed efforts to harness data from digital drain systems to inform decisions regarding early chest drain removal for enhanced recovery after lung resection.² A study published by his group in 2017 showed that longitudinal observation of air flow and pleural pressure patterns allowed clinicians to distinguish between patients with no air leak, de novo postoperative leak, leak exacerbations, leak resolutions, and air leaks without trend toward improvement. Information on the disappearance of an air leak could serve as a signal that the patient was ready for chest tube removal.

Removing the Fluid Threshold Barrier

He also reviewed the results of a multicenter RCT comparing outcomes when chest tubes were removed on postoperative day 2 without regard to drainage volume, versus when chest tubes remained indwelling until drainage volume was less than 300 mL/day.³ Patients in the timed removal group experienced fewer respiratory-related adverse events with similar hospital LOS, median 1 day shorter chest tube duration, and no elevated signals for safety or lung function.