Effectiveness of single chest tube vs double chest tube drainage application in patients undergoing decortication: A retrospective study

Sudhanshu  Singh; m.G. Rayee; S.C. Jha

doi:10.51168/sjhrafrica.v5i12.1484

Authors

Sudhanshu Singh Assistant Professor, Department of CTVS, Patna Medical College and Hospital, Patna, Bihar, India
m.G. Rayee Professor & HOD, Department of CTVS, Patna Medical College and Hospital, Patna, Bihar, India
S.C. Jha Assistant Director, Department of CTVS, Patna Medical College and Hospital, Patna, Bihar, India

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.51168/sjhrafrica.v5i12.1484

Keywords:

Empyema Thoracis, Decortication, Chest Tube Drainage, Single Tube, Double Tube

Abstract

Background: Chest tube drainage is essential following decortication for stage III empyema thoracis. While double chest tube placement is widely used, a single chest tube may offer comparable efficacy with reduced postoperative pain. This study evaluates the effectiveness of these two approaches.

Methods: A retrospective comparative study was conducted on 84 patients at Patna Medical College and Hospital from November 2021 to November 2024. Patients were randomly assigned to either single (Group A) or double (Group B) chest tube drainage. Primary outcomes included total drainage volume, duration of drainage, and pain scores, while secondary outcomes were air leaks, chest tube reinsertion, and hospital stay. Data were analyzed using SPSS, with statistical significance set at p<0.05.

Results: Group A had a higher total drainage volume (1200 mL vs. 500 mL) and lower pain scores (2 vs. 3) than Group B. Drainage duration was longer in Group B (5 vs. 4 days), but both groups had similar hospital stays (6-7 days). No reinsertion of chest tubes was required in either group, and lung expansion outcomes were comparable.

Conclusion: Single chest tube drainage is slight more effective than double chest tube drainage after decortication, with comparable outcomes and reduced invasiveness, suggesting its utility in clinical practice.

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