The clinical application of central venous catheter for thoracic closed drainage after esophagectomy

Abstract

Objective To explore the safety and effectiveness of central venous catheter for thoracic drainage after esophagectomy. Methods We prospectively analyzed 95 patients who underwent esophagectomy for esophageal carcinoma in our department from August 2016 to August 2017. Forty-six patients with central venous catheter drainage were observation group, and 49 patients with traditional chest-tube closed drainage were control group. Compared the differences of drainage amount, pain score, postoperative patient quality of life score, duration of drainage and chest tube incision healing between the two groups. Results There were no significant differences in daily drainage volume and patency of drainage tube between the two groups(P>0.05). Compared with the control group, the duration of thoracic drainage in the observation group was significant shorter, the pain intensity score was significant lower, and the emotional function of postoperative patient quality of life was significant better(P<0.01). There were more patients suffered uncomfortable symptoms, such as nausea, vomiting, pain, insomnia in the control group(P<0.05). Conclusion The application of central venous catheter in thoracic drainage can decrease the postoperative pain and improve the postoperative quality of life for esophageal carcinoma patients after esophagectomy. It is safe and feasible for thoracic drainage after esophagectomy. Key words: Esophageal neoplasms; Central venous catheter; Drainage; Thoracic surgical procedures