Digital Drainage System Research Articles

Discharging Patients Home With a Chest Tube and Digital System After Robotic Lung Resection

BackgroundOur objective is to assess the feasibility, safety, and outcomes for patients discharged home with a chest tube connected to a digital drainage system after robotic pulmonary resection. MethodsThis was a retrospective analysis of a prospectively collected database as a quality improvement initiative. All patients had planned discharge on postoperative day one (POD1) after robotic pulmonary resection. Those with an air leak were discharge home with a chest tube connected to a digital drainage system with daily communication with the surgeon. ResultsFrom January 2019 to February 2023 there were 580 consecutive robotic resections, of which 69 (12%) patients had an air leak on POD1; 38 of 276 (14%) after lobectomy, 24 of 226 (11%) after segmentectomy, and 7 of 78 (9%) after wedge resection. Of these 69 patients, 52 patients (75%) were discharged on POD1, 15 patients (22%) on POD2, and 2 patients (3%) on POD3. Chest tubes were removed a median outpatient chest tube duration was 4 days (interquartile range, 3-5 days). Of the 69 patients sent home with a digital drainage system, there was 1 complication requiring readmission for increasing subcutaneous emphysema. Five patients (7%) had system malfunctions that required return to our clinic for problem-solving. There were no 30- or 90-day mortalities. ConclusionsPatients who undergo robotic pulmonary resection and have an air leak can be safely and effectively discharged on the first postoperative day and managed as an outpatient by using daily texts and or videos with pulse oximetry data on a digital drainage system with limited morbidity.

Hybrid (Digital/Water Seal) Chest Drainage System - An Innovative Device for Patients with Anticipated Air Leaks.

To date, several chest drainage systems are available, such as digital drainage systems (DDS) and traditional systems with continuous suction or water seal. However, none of these systems were yet shown to be favorable in the treatment of complex situations such as persistent air leaks or residual spaces. We present in-vitro as well as clinical data of a novel hybrid drainage system consisting of an optimized digital drainage system (ODDS) and an underwater seal drainage system (UWSD). For in-vitro analysis, a DDS and an ODDS were connected to a pleural cavity simulator. Different air leaks were produced and data on intrapleural pressure and air flow were analyzed. Furthermore, we tested the hybrid drainage system in 10 patients with potential air leaks after pulmonary surgery. In in-vitro analysis, we could show, that with advanced pump technology, pressure fluctuations caused by the drainage system when trying to maintain a set pressure level in patients with airleaks were much smaller when using an ODDS and could even be eliminated when using a fluid collection canister with sufficient buffer capacity. This minimized air leak boosts caused by the drainage system. Optimizing the auto-pressure regulation algorithms also led to a reduced airflow through the fistula and promoted rest. Switching to a passive UWSD also reduced the amount of airflow. Clinical application of the hybrid drainage system yielded promising results. The novel hybrid drainage system shows promising results in the treatment of patients with complex clinical situations such as persistent air leaks.

Development of a multivariable prediction model for prolonged air leak after lung resection.

Prolonged air leak (PAL) is a common complication of lung resection. Research on predictors of PAL using a digital drainage system (DDS) remains insufficient. In this study, we investigated the predictive factors of PAL to establish a novel early postoperative prediction model for PAL. A retrospective cohort study and validation study were conducted. We examined patients who underwent lung resection with DDS at our institute. The relationship between the clinical factors and measurements of the DDS, including the difference between the set and measured intrapleural pressure (named: additional negative pressure [ANP]) at postoperative hour (POH) 3, with PAL was analyzed. A total of 494 patients were enrolled, 29 of whom had PAL. Percent forced expiratory volume in 1s<60%, ANP <1cmH2O, air leak flow >20mL/min and pleural adhesion findings at surgery were independent predictors of PAL according to a multivariable analysis. The PAL rate was clearly stratified according to our novel risk scoring system, which simply notes the presence of the above four factors, that is, the rate increases when the score increases. The area under the curve (AUC) of the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis for this scoring system was 0.818. Analysis of the validation cohort (n=133) revealed that this scoring system showed a sufficient ability to predict PAL. ANP at POH 3 is an independent predictor of PAL. Thus, the risk-scoring system proposed in this study is useful for predicting PAL in the early postoperative period.

Conventional and digital pleural drainage systems - advantages and disadvantages.

Pleural cavity drainage is a crucial component of the surgical management of patients with various chest diseases. Digital drainage systems are increasingly used in contemporary thoracic surgical procedure, which is likely a result of their effectiveness in achieving early postoperative ambulation, cutting down on hospital stays and lowering costs. The vast majority of thoracic surgeons worldwide prefer digital drainage systems to traditional ones. The advantages of the former, however, are disputed by some researchers.

Evaluation of the Efficacy of a Digital Chest Drainage System in Traumatic Pneumothorax.

Pneumothorax is the major complication in patients with chest trauma. Thoracic injury is a major cause oftrauma-related deaths, with up to half of these patients developing pneumothorax. The initial primary management of pneumothorax is intercostal chest drainage (ICD). Chest drainage systems are used to resolve pleural air leakage (PAL), lymphatic or exudative effusion, blood accumulation after chest surgery or trauma, and other disease conditions such as pneumothorax. This study evaluates the efficacy of a digital chest drainage system (Thopaz+, Medela AG, Baar, Switzerland) in patients with pneumothorax following chest trauma and analyzes the satisfaction score by patients. A hospital-based cross-sectional study was conducted in a tertiary care centre at the Department of Cardiovascular and Thoracic Surgery (CTVS). All patients with a diagnosis of traumatic pneumothorax/hemopneumothorax from January 2021 to June 2022, aged more than 15 years, were enrolled for the study. A total of 102 patientsrequired chest drainage systems and were selected for the study. We analysed demographic data, clinical profiles, and routine investigations with chest X-rays and computed tomography (CT) scans. All patients were connected with digital drainage devices and monitored for air leaks and other complications. Patient satisfaction was evaluated by a purposefully developed survey questionnaire. Most of our study subjects were male (84.3%) and the mean age was 42.38±15.75 years. The total duration of chest tube, post-operative air leak and duration of hospital stay were noted. The mean chest tube duration was 4.39±1.18 days. Twelve patients were found to have air leaks with digital drainage devices. The mean duration of hospital stay was 5.75±1.49 days. All subjects were provided with a survey questionnaire to assess their response to digital drainage devices. We found that patients were comfortable and had positive responses for the Thopaz+ device. We found that Thopaz+ digital drainage system is useful in reducing chest tube duration and hospital stay. It also helps in the early resolution of air leaks and minimises complications. Most of our patients showed a positive attitude. With regard to Thopaz+ digital device, our study concludes that Thopaz+ should be considered for patients who need chest tube drain for pneumothorax.

Postoperative management using a digital drainage system for massive air leakage after pulmonary resection.

To elucidate clinical outcomes using a digital drainage system (DDS) for massive air leakage (MAL) after pulmonary resection. A total of 135 consecutive patients with pulmonary resection air leakage of > 100ml/min on the DDS were evaluated retrospectively. In this study, MAL was defined as ≥ 1000ml/min on the DDS. We analyzed the clinical characteristics and surgical outcomes of patients with MAL compared with non-MAL (101-999ml/min). Using the DDS data, the duration of the air leak was plotted with the Kaplan‒Meier method and compared using the log-rank test. MAL was detected in 19 (14%) patients. The proportions of heavy smokers (P = 0.04) and patients with emphysematous lung (P = 0.03) and interstitial lung disease (P < 0.01) were higher in the MAL group than in the non-MAL group. The MAL group had a higher persistence rate of air leakage at 120h after surgery than the non-MAL group (P < 0.01) and required significantly more frequent pleurodesis (P < 0.01). Drainage failure occurred in 2 (11%) and 5 (4%) patients from the MAL and non-MAL groups, respectively. Neither reoperation nor 30-day surgical mortality was observed in patients with MAL. MAL was able to be treated conservatively without surgery using the DDS.

Comparison Between Electronic and Traditional Chest Drainage Systems: A Multicenter Randomized Study

BackgroundAir leak is the major factor that influences the permanence of the chest tube and the in-hospital length of stay (LOS) among patients undergoing lung resections. The aim of this study was to determine whether the use of digital chest drain systems, compared with traditional ones, reduced the duration of chest drainage and postoperative in-hospital LOS in patients undergoing video-assisted thoracoscopic (VATS) lobectomy. MethodsThe study was a prospective, randomized, multicenter trial. Patients undergoing VATS lobectomy were randomized in 2 groups, receiving a digital drain system or a traditional one and managed accordingly to the protocol. ResultsAmong 503 patients who fulfilled inclusion criteria and were randomized, 38 dropped out after randomization. Finally, 465 patients were analyzed, of whom 204 used the digital device and 261 the traditional one. In the digital group, there was a significantly shorter median chest tube duration of 3 postoperative days (interquartile range [IQR], 2-4 days) vs 4 postoperative days (IQR, 3-4 days; P = .001) and postoperative in-hospital LOS of 4 days (IQR, 3-6 days) vs 5 days (IQR, 4-6 days; P = .035). Analysis of predictors for increased duration of air leaks showed a relationship with male sex (P = .039), forced expiratory volume in 1 second percentage (P = .004), forced vital capacity percentage (P = .03), and presence of air leaks at the end of surgery (P = .001). ConclusionsIn patients undergoing VATS lobectomy, the use of a digital drainage system allows an earlier removal of the chest drain compared with the traditional system, leading to a shorter in-hospital LOS.

Using Continuous Flow Data to Predict the Course of Air Leaks After Lung Lobectomy.

Assessments of air leaks are usually performed subjectively, precluding the use of air leaks as an evaluation factor. We aimed to identify objective parameters as predictive factors for prolonged air leak (PAL) and air leak cessation (ALC) from air flow data produced by a digital drainage system. Flow data records of 352 patients who underwent lung lobectomy were reviewed, and flow data at designated intervals (1, 2, and 3 hours postoperatively [POH] and 3 times a day thereafter [06:00, 13:00, 19:00]) were extracted. ALC was defined by flow less than 20 mL/min over 12 hours, and PAL was defined as ALC after 5 days. Cumulative incidence curves were obtained using Kaplan-Meier estimates of time to ALC. Cox regression analysis was performed to determine the effects of variables on the rate of ALC. The incidence of PAL was 18.2% (64/352). Receiver operating characteristic curve analysis showed cut-off values of 180 mL/min for the flow at 3 POH and 73.3 mL/min for the flow on postoperative day 1; the sensitivity and specificity of these values were 88.9% and 82.5%, respectively. The rates of ALC by Kaplan-Meier analysis were 56.8% at 48 POH and 65.6% at 72 POH. Multivariate Cox regression analysis revealed that the flow at 3 POH (≤80 mL/min), operation time (≤220 minutes), and right middle lobectomy independently predicted ALC. Air flow measured by a digital drainage system is a useful predictor of PAL and ALC and may help optimize the hospital course.

A series of experiences with TissuePatch™ for alveolar air leak after pulmonary resection.

Prolonged air leak after pulmonary resection strongly influences chest tube duration and hospitalization. This prospective study aimed to report a series of experiences with a synthetic sealant (TissuePatch™) and compare them with a combination covering method (polyglycolic acid sheet + fibrin glue) for air leaks after pulmonary surgery. We included 51 patients (age: 20-89years) who underwent lung resection. Patients who presented with alveolar air leak during the intraoperative water sealing test were randomly assigned to the TissuePatch™ or combination covering method groups. The chest tube was removed when there was no air leak over a period of 6h, and no active bleeding under continuous monitoring using a digital drainage system. The chest tube duration was assessed, and various perioperative factors (such as the index of prolonged air leak score) were evaluated. Twenty (39.2%) patients developed intraoperative air leak; ten patients received TissuePatch™; and one patient who was receiving TissuePatch™ switched to the combination covering method because of broken TissuePatch™. The chest tube duration, index of prolonged air leak score, prolonged air leak, other complications, and postoperative hospitalization in both groups were similar. No TissuePatch™-related adverse events were reported. Results from the use of TissuePatch™ were almost similar to those associated with the use of combination covering method in preventing prolonged postoperative air leak after pulmonary resection. Randomized, double-arm studies are required to confirm the efficacy of TissuePatch™ observed during this study.

Comparison of clinical utility between digital and analog drainage systems in patients with spontaneous pneumothorax.

Digital drainage systems can continuously and numerically monitor air leakage, which may lead to a shorter duration of drainage and hospitalization; however, the usefulness of digital drainage systems compared to that of analog drainage systems for patients with primary or secondary spontaneous pneumothorax remains unclear. This retrospective study included 108 patients with spontaneous pneumothorax who were successfully treated with chest drainage alone at our institution. We compared the clinical efficacy of digital and analog chest drainage systems. From the study population, 68 patients were diagnosed with primary and the other 40 with secondary spontaneous pneumothorax. The analog drainage system was used in 44 patients, and the digital drainage system in 64 patients. Among patients with primary spontaneous pneumothorax, the digital group had a significantly shorter duration of chest drainage than the analog group (median 2 vs. 4 days; p=0.001), but there was no significant difference in those with secondary spontaneous pneumothorax. Additionally, the length and cost of hospitalization in the digital group were significantly lower than those in the analog group for both patients with primary and secondary spontaneous pneumothorax. There was no significant difference in recurrence within 1 week after chest tube removal between the two groups, neither among patients with primary nor among those with secondary pneumothorax. Digital drainage system may be better than analog drainage system for patients with primary spontaneous pneumothorax who need chest drainage, but further research is needed on drainage system selection for those with secondary disease.

Advantages of applying digital chest drainage system for postoperative management of patients following pulmonary resection: a systematic review and meta-analysis of 12 randomized controlled trials.

This meta-analysis aimed to evaluate the value of the chest digital drainage system for the postoperative management of patients who have undergone pulmonary resection. We searched the PubMed, EMBASE, the Cochrane Library, and Web of Science databases for included randomized controlled trials (RCTs) on the application of digital drainage systems versus the analog drainage system for patients with lung disease after pulmonary resection. Dichotomous variables were evaluated using risk ratios (RRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs), and mean and standardized mean differences (MDs and SMDs, respectively) with 95% CIs were used to calculate continuous variables. Statistical analyses were performed using Stata and RevMan software. In total, 12 RCTs involving 2000 patients were analyzed. Significant differences in duration of chest tube placement (SMD = -0.49; 95% CI = -0.78 to -0.20), length of hospital stay (MD =-0.79days; 95% CI = -1.24 to -0.34), and number of chest tube clamping tests (RR = 0.74; 95% CI = 0.36-1.49) were observed between the two groups, which did not significant differ in the occurrence of prolonged air leak or cardiopulmonary complication rate. The digital chest drainage system is mainly advantageous in the duration of chest tube placement, length of hospital stay, and number of chest tube clamping tests. Future research should evaluate the requirements and economic impact of using digital system in routine clinical practice.

Use of a novel digital drainage system after pulmonary resection.

BackgroundThe Thoraguard Surgical Drainage System is a novel device for drainage of air and fluid after cardiothoracic surgery.MethodsA three-part study was conducted: a prospective observational safety and feasibility study, a retrospective comparison of patients managed with an analogue drainage system, and a clinician user-feedback survey.ResultsFifty patients underwent robotic pulmonary resection utilizing the Thoraguard system for postoperative drainage. The Thoraguard system detected a higher number of air leaks than an analogue system (36/50, 72% vs. 45/200, 23%; P<0.001) and was associated with decreased chest tube duration of 1 day [interquartile range (IQR) 0–2] vs. 2 days (IQR 2–3) (P=0.042) and hospital length of stay of 2 days (IQR 2–3) vs. 3 days (IQR 2–4) (P=0.027). Patients with a peak air leak less than 100 mL/min (32 patients, 64%), had a decreased median chest tube duration of 1 day (IQR 0–1) vs. 2.8 days (IQR 1–3) (P=0.004). Compared to an analogue system, the Thoraguard system had superior user-reported ability to detect air-leaks (17/23, 74%), better ease of patient ambulation (14/23, 61%), and better display of clinically relevant information (22/23, 96%).ConclusionsThe Thoraguard Surgical Drainage System provides safe and effective drainage post pulmonary resection. Compared to an analogue system, the Thoraguard system detected a higher number of air leaks and was associated with decreased chest tube duration and hospital length of stay. User survey data reported superior air leak detection, display of clinical data, and ease of use of the Thoraguard system.

Clinical efficacy of digital chest drainage system in cardiac valve surgery.

The portable digitalized suction was used widely in thoracic surgery. The aim of the study was to access the early outcomes of using the portable digitalized suction system after cardiac surgery. We invested 80 patients including 30 women (mean age 72.7 ± 9.2years) who underwent cardiac surgery at our hospital, excluded coronary artery bypass grafting only, with or only aortic surgery, emergency operation, and patients with hemodialysis. Patients were categorized as those treated with digital chest drainage system (DCS group, n = 38) or analog chest drainage system (ACS group, n = 42), and the following data were analyzed in two groups. The primary endpoint was the duration of chest drainage, and the secondary endpoints were the rate of drainage-related complications and the length of hospitalization. The duration of drainage was significantly shorter in the DCS group (ACS vs. DCS = 94.8 ± 31.5 vs. 81.1 ± 20.6h, p = 0.036). The duration needed for rehabilitation completion was significantly shorter in the DCS group (ACS vs. DCS = 10.7 ± 1.2 vs. 9.6 ± 1.5days, p = 0.047), and the length of hospitalization was significantly shorter in the DCS group (ACS vs. DCS = 21.9 ± 5.3 vs. 18.8 ± 7.2days, p = 0.031). This study provided evidence that DCS might be effective for patients who underwent cardiac valve surgery.

The use of a digital drainage system to measure the predictive factors of prolonged air leak

The use of a digital drainage system to measure the predictive factors of prolonged air leak

Thoracic Surgery Without Chest Tube: The Current Situation in Germany

Over the last decades, several techniques have been implemented to reduce the invasiveness of thoracic surgery. Omitting chest tubes can lead to less postoperative pain and a shorter length of hospital stay. This study examines the extent to which German surgeons use the tubeless technique and what experience they have had with it. We conducted a nationwide survey, supported by the German Society of Thoracic Surgery (DGT). A digital questionnaire was sent to all leading thoracic surgeons with DGT membership between July and September 2020. 63 of 161 surgeons (39%) returned the questionnaires. The tubeless technique was used in 1.9% of thoracic surgery procedures performed last year. 59% of hospitals have implemented the technique; 24% of them also performed lung resections that way. The majority of respondents (79%) believe that the tubeless technique causes less postoperative pain; 16% see no advantage. Pleural effusion was ranked as the most important contraindication (76%). All participating surgeons agree that the absence of an air fistula is a prerequisite for performing lung resections using the tubeless technique - commonly checked by an underwater leak test (73%), and/or with a digital drainage system (53%), partially under pressure controlled ventilated lungs. Almost half of the respondents (46%) have not observed any complications using the tubeless technique. Most German thoracic surgeons consider the tubeless technique safe and advantageous over the conventional technique. However, the case load is low and only 59% of the surgeons surveyed have experience with this technique. Randomised clinical trials concerning selection criteria and the procedural pathway may help increase the use.

Low suction on digital drainage devices promptly improves post-operative air leaks following lung resection operations: a retrospective study

BackgroundWe investigated the most effective suction pressure for preventing or promptly improving postoperative air leaks on digital drainage devices after lung resection.MethodsWe retrospectively analyzed the postoperative data of 242 patients who were monitored with a digital drainage system after pulmonary resection in our institution between December 2017 and June 2020. We divided the patients into three groups according to the suction pressure used: A (low-pressure suction group: − 5 cm H2O), B (intermediate-pressure group: − 10 cm H2O), and C (high-pressure suction group: − 20 cm H2O). We evaluated the duration of air leaks, timing of chest tube replacement, the amount of postoperative air leak, volume of fluid drained before chest tube removal, and the total number of air leaks during drainage.ResultsIn total, 217 patients were included in this study. The duration of air leaks gradually decreased with significant difference between the groups, the highest decrease in A, the lowest decrease in C (P = 0.019). Timing of chest tube replacement, on the other hand, did not significantly differ between the three groups (P = 0.126). The number of postoperative air leaks just after surgery did not significantly differ between the three groups (P = 0.175), but the number of air leaks on postoperative day 1 were fewest in group A, then B, and greatest in group C (P = 0.033). The maximum amount of air leaks during drainage was lowest in A, then B, and highest in C (P = 0.036). Volume of fluid drained before chest tube removal did not significantly differ between the three groups (P = 0.986).ConclusionLow-pressure suction after pulmonary resection seems to avoid or promptly improve postoperative air leaks in digital drainage devices after lung resection.Trial registrationThis is a single-institution, retrospective analysis-based study of data from an electronic database. Study protocol was approved by the Akashi Medical Center Institutional Research Ethics Board (approval number: 2020–9).

数字化胸腔引流系统在肺术后支气管胸膜瘘治疗的应用价值

数字化胸腔引流系统在肺术后支气管胸膜瘘治疗的应用价值

Simulation and Measurement of Aerosolisation in Different Chest Drainage Systems

The aim of the study was to assess the degree of aerosolisation in different chest drainage systems according to different air leak volumes, in a simulated environment. This novel simulation model was designed to produce an air leak by passing air through and agitating a fluorescent fluid. The air leak volume and amount of fluorescent fluid were tested in various combinations and aerosolisation was assessed at 10-minute intervals using the ultraviolet light. The following chest drainage systems were compared: (1) single-chamber chest drainage system, (2) 3-compartment wet-dry suction chest drainage system, (3) digital drainage and monitoring system. The impact of suction (−2 and −4 kPa) in generating aerosolised particles was tested as well. A total number of 187 of 10-minute interval measurements were performed. The single-chamber chest drainage system generated the largest number of aerosolised particles at different air leak volumes and drainage output. The 3-compartment wet-dry suction system and the digital drainage and monitoring system did not generate any identifiable aerosolised particles at any of the air leak or drain output volumes considered. Suction applied to the chest drainage systems did not have an effect on aerosolisation. Aerosol generation in the simulated air-leak model demonstrated the potential risk of SARS-CoV-2 spread in the clinical setting. Full personal protective equipment must be used in patients with an air leak. Single-chamber chest drainage system generates the highest rate of aerosolised particles and it should not be used as an open system in patients with an air leak.

Digital versus analogue chest drainage system in patients with primary spontaneous pneumothorax: a randomized controlled trial

BackgroundPatients with a primary spontaneous pneumothorax (PSP) who are treated with chest tube drainage are traditionally connected to an analogue chest drainage system, containing a water seal and using a visual method of monitoring air leakage. Electronic systems with continuous digital monitoring of air leakage provide better insight into actual air leakage and changes in leakage over time, which may lead to a shorter length of hospital stay.MethodsWe performed a randomized controlled trial comparing the digital with analogue system, with the aim of demonstrating that use of a digital drainage system in PSP leads to a shorter hospital stay.ResultsIn 102 patients enrolled with PSP we found no differences in total duration of chest tube drainage and hospital stay between the groups. However, in a post-hoc analysis, excluding 19 patients needing surgery due to prolonged air leakage, hospital stay was significantly shorter in the digital group (median 1 days, IQR 1–5 days) compared to the analogue group (median 3 days, IQR 2–5 days) (p 0.014). Treatment failure occurred in 3 patients in both groups; the rate of recurrence within 12 weeks was not significantly different between groups (16% in the digital group versus 8% in the analogue group, p 0.339).ConclusionLength of hospital stay was not shorter in patients with PSP when applying a digital drainage system compared to an analogue drainage system. However, in the large subgroup of uncomplicated PSP, a significant reduction in duration of drainage and hospital stay was demonstrated with digital drainage. These findings suggest that digital drainage may be a practical alternative to manual aspiration in the management of PSP.Trial registrationRegistered 22 September 2013 - Retrospectively registered, Trial NL4022 (NTR4195)

A Retrospective Comparative Study of 2-μm Thulium Laser During Thoracoscopic Resection of Pulmonary Nodules

This study aimed to evaluate the feasibility and safety of a 2-μm thulium laser to perform lung nodule resection under video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) compared with disposable linear cutting staplers. In total, 72 patients underwent thoracoscopic resection of lung nodules between January 2016 and December 2017 in the Department of Thoracic Surgery, Xuanwu Hospital. Of them, 31 underwent 2-μm thulium laser dissection, while 41 underwent the standard technique with a stapler. The primary endpoints of the study included analysis of intraoperative and postoperative course and costs. There was no significant difference between the laser and stapler groups in terms of clinical characteristics including sex, age, smoking history, and lesion size. Intraoperative evaluation demonstrated grade ≤ 2 air leaks with 29 cases in the laser group and 40 cases in the stapler group (P = 0.574). No significant intergroup differences were seen in the postoperative hospital stay (P = 0.063) or total hospital stays (and P = 0.993). Chest tube placement duration was significantly shorter in the laser group than in the stapler group (P = 0.015). However, total hospitalization costs were not significantly different between the two groups. In addition, 10 patients in each group were given a Thopaz digital chest drainage system after surgery. The postoperative hospitalization time was significantly shorter in the laser group than that in the stapler group (P = 0.049). Our results suggest that the 2-μm thulium laser has high value with minimal invasiveness, higher accuracy, and safety during thoracoscopic resection of pulmonary nodules in comparison with the controls.