Comparing pigtail catheters and chest tubes after thoracic surgery

Comparison of Postoperative Small-bore Pigtail or Large-bore Chest Tube Placement After Uniportal Video-assisted Thoracoscopic Surgery for Postoperative Analgesia and Enhanced Recovery: a Randomized Controlled Trial.

NA · National Cheng-Kung University Hospital · NCT06050551

This study is testing whether using a small pigtail catheter or a larger chest tube after lung surgery helps patients recover better and feel less pain.

Quick facts

PhaseNA
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment40 (estimated)
Ages20 Years to 80 Years
SexAll
SponsorNational Cheng-Kung University Hospital (other)
Locations1 site (Kaohsiung)
Trial IDNCT06050551 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study investigates the effects of using either a small-bore pigtail catheter or a large-bore chest tube for postoperative drainage following uniportal video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS). It is designed as a randomized controlled trial involving eighty adult patients who will receive a thoracoscopic internal costal nerve block and prescribed analgesics post-surgery. The study aims to assess pain relief and recovery outcomes, with a focus on the efficiency of drainage methods in enhancing recovery. Participants will be monitored for complications and discharged based on their recovery progress.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are adult patients over 20 years old scheduled for elective uniportal VATS lobectomy.

Not a fit: Patients with a body mass index over 27 kg/m2, ASA grade above 3, or those with contraindications to nerve blocks may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to improved postoperative pain management and faster recovery for patients undergoing thoracic surgery.

How similar studies have performed: Other studies have shown promising results with similar approaches in postoperative pain management, indicating potential for success in this trial.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

- eighty consecutive adult patients undergoing elective uniportal VATS lobectomy

Exclusion Criteria:

- patient refusal, body mass index \> 27 kg/m2, American society of anesthesiologists (ASA) grade above 3, contraindication to nerve block, allergy to analgesic agents, regular opioid used for chronic pain prior to this time surgery, anticipating postoperative patient control analgesia (PCA) before operation, surgeon's decision for exclusion during operation, conversion to thoracotomy or multiportal VATS procedure, postoperative intubation, postoperative intensive care unit admission.

Where this trial is running

Kaohsiung

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.

View on ClinicalTrials.gov →

Conditions: Post Operative Pain, Acute, Post-Op Complication, Opioid Use, Unspecified, ERAS, Uniportal Video-Assisted Thoracic Surgery, post-operative analgesia, pigtail, chest tube

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.