Biofilm formation on chest drains after thoracic surgery
Biofilm Formation on Thoracic Drains: Clinical Significance and Association With Antibiotic Resistance
This project will see how often biofilms form on chest drain tips and whether they relate to infections in adults having elective thoracic surgery.
Quick facts
| Study type | Observational |
|---|---|
| Enrollment | 180 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Ondokuz Mayıs University Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Samsun, Samsun) |
| Trial ID | NCT07228598 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
In a prospective observational project at Ondokuz Mayis University, sterile samples will be taken from the tips of chest drains when drains are removed after elective thoracic surgery. Samples will be examined in the microbiology laboratory to detect biofilm and to culture and test organisms for antibiotic resistance. The main analyses will look at the relationship between how long a drain was in place and whether biofilm is present, plus correlations with postoperative infections such as empyema or wound infection and length of hospital stay. Results aim to clarify the clinical significance of drain-associated biofilms and their resistance patterns.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Adults aged 18 and older undergoing elective thoracic surgery with planned chest drain placement who can provide informed consent and do not have preexisting infection or immunosuppression.
Not a fit: Patients undergoing emergency thoracic surgery, those with active infection before surgery, ongoing systemic antibiotics at the time of drain removal, or significant immunosuppression are unlikely to receive benefit from participation.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, results could help clinicians reduce postoperative infections related to chest drains and guide antibiotic choices.
How similar studies have performed: Device-associated biofilms are a known contributor to infection and antibiotic resistance, but focused data on biofilms specifically on thoracic chest drains in elective surgery patients are limited.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Age 18 years and older * Undergoing elective thoracic surgery requiring chest drain placement * Able and willing to provide written informed consent Exclusion Criteria: * Presence of active infection prior to surgery * Emergency thoracic surgery * Immunosuppressed patients (e.g., neutropenia, advanced malignancy, organ transplantation) * Patients receiving systemic antibiotic therapy at the time of drain removal * Drainage for empyema or pre-existing pleural infection * Presence of extrathoracic infection focus * Refusal or inability to provide informed consent
Where this trial is running
Samsun, Samsun
- Ondokuz Mayis University Medical Faculty, Department of Thoracic Surgery — Samsun, Samsun, Turkey (Türkiye) (Recruiting)
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.