Early Postoperative Day 0 Chest Tube Removal After Thoracoscopic Minor Surgeries

Chest tube removal is a standard bedside intervention after lung resections. Its time point is normally defined according a traditional standard airleak threshold. Traditionally, in our department this threshold will be respected not earlier than 1 day after the operation. The patients of the study group are getting their chest tube removed according to our current airleak protocol (Flow \<20 mL/ min on digital suction device) but already in the operating room after wound closure (POD 0). If airleak is persisting than chest tube removal will be performed according to the traditional protocol not earlier than on postoperative day 1 (POD 1).

Chest tube removal according to traditional standard protocol not earlier than on postoperative day 1 (POD 1).