Background: The aim of this meta-analysis and systematic review of published evidence was to optimize chest tube management for fast-track rehabilitation of lung cancer patients after video-assisted thoracic surgery (VATS).
Methods: The PubMed, Web of Science, and EMBASE databases were searched to identify all studies that addressed the issue of chest tube management after VATS for lung cancer. Finally, 35 articles were included for analysis, i.e., 29 randomized controlled trials and 6 clinical trials.
Results: After synthesis of the published evidence, the following protocol for chest tube drainage was formulated: (1) after VATS lung wedge resection, chest tube drainage can be omitted in selected cases; (2) normally, one 28Fr chest tube (or 19Fr Blake drain) is placed; (3) the use of a digital monitoring system is recommended; (4) in case of increasing pneumothorax or severe air leakage supported by digital recording system, the tube should be placed with active suction; and (5) the chest tube can be removed within 48 h postoperatively when air leakage is resolved and fluid drainage is <400 mL/day.
Conclusions: Further multicenter studies are warranted based on the variations of body sizes among different ethnicities.