An improved method of anchoring chest drain and suture technique for Uni-portal VATS incision

Gen Thorac Cardiovasc Surg. 2021 Nov;69(11):1515-1518. doi: 10.1007/s11748-021-01699-x. Epub 2021 Sep 13.

Abstract

Uni-portal video-assisted thoracoscopic approach is currently a popular surgical technique in general thoracic surgery. After operation, a chest tube is usually placed through the incision to drain the effusion and gas from the thoracic cavity. In the conventional method, the retaining stitches should be taken out ten days after removing chest drain. To get better would-healing and avoid unsightly scar, we explored a method of anchoring chest drain and two-layer suture for Uni-portal incision without removing stitches post operation.

Keywords: Chest drain; Suture; Uni-portal.

MeSH terms

  • Chest Tubes*
  • Humans
  • Suture Techniques
  • Thoracic Surgery, Video-Assisted*