A Different Approach to Chest Tube Drainage after Cardiac Surgery: A Study on the Usage of a Single versus Separate Drain Vials

Abstract

Background: Pericardial and pleural space drainage and decompression is crucial after cardiac surgery. The aim of this study is to evaluate the efficiency and adequacy of chest tubes that are connected to single closed underwater drainage system compared to two separate closed drainage systems. Methods: One hundred patients that underwent cardiac surgery were included in this study. Patients were divided into two groups according to chest tube status. In Group 1 (n=50), two chest tubes were connected to a single closed underwater drainage vials. In Group 2 (n=50), the tubes were connected to two separate closed underwater drainage vials. Results: The mean age of patients was 63±7.26 years. Fifty-six of them were female. Age, gender and risk factors were similar between groups. In Group 1, forty-three patients underwent coronary artery bypass surgery, four patients underwent aortic valve surgery, and three patients underwent mitral valve surgery. In Group 2, forty-six patients underwent coronary artery bypass surgery, three patients underwent aortic valve surgery, and one patient underwent mitral valve surgery. Groups were evaluated for the drainage quantity from the chest tubes every 12 hours. The need for blood transfusion, rate of a reoperation due to bleeding, duration of postoperative stay in intensive care unit, length of hospitalization, chest tube removal time and the rate of mortality were also registered. No meaningful difference was found between the two groups (p>0.05). Conclusions: In cardiac surgery, using a single closed underwater drainage system would be sufficient for postoperative follow-up. It provides better mobilization of the patients and decreases the cost of overused thorax drain vials.