Early chest tube removal after lung surgery
Official title: Patient Reported Outcomes Targeting Early Chest Tube Removal (PROTECTR) Study
Run by London Health Sciences Centre Research Institute OR Lawson Research Institute of St. Joseph's · NCT06444854 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study tests if taking out chest tubes on the same day after lung surgery can make recovery easier and more comfortable for patients.
Quick facts
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 18 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 130 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | London Health Sciences Centre Research Institute OR Lawson Research Institute of St. Joseph's Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (London, Ontario) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | October 22, 2024 |
| Main results expected | November 1, 2026 |
| Study ends | December 31, 2026 |
| Registry record updated | October 28, 2024 |
| Trial ID | NCT06444854 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Ideal candidates are adults aged 18 years or older scheduled for elective VATS segmental or lobar lung resections.
✕Probably not a fit
Patients with significant pulmonary function impairment or those requiring intraoperative pleurodesis may not benefit from this study.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
This study evaluates the safety and feasibility of removing chest tubes on the same day after Video Assisted Thoracic Surgery (VATS) for lung resections. It aims to address the outdated post-operative care pathways that often require prolonged hospitalization and chest tube maintenance, which can lead to increased discomfort and complications for patients. By implementing a protocol for early chest tube removal, the study seeks to improve patient outcomes and enhance recovery after surgery. The research builds on previous findings that suggest early removal is safe and beneficial.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could lead to reduced hospital stays and improved recovery experiences for patients undergoing lung surgery.
How similar studies have gone: Previous studies have shown promising results regarding early chest tube removal, but this is one of the first prospective controlled studies to evaluate its safety and feasibility.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * 18 yrs or older * scheduled to undergo elective VATS segmental or lobar resection of the lung Exclusion Criteria: * Pulmonary function tests demonstrating forced expiratory volume in 1 second Forced Expiratory Volume (FEV1) \<50% predicted, FEV1 \<1.5L and/or diffusion lung capacity of carbon monoxide Lung Diffusion Test (DLCO) \<50% predicted * Patient receives an intraoperative pleurodesis * Conversion to open thoracotomy or mini thoracotomy intraoperatively. * Underlying cognitive disorder resulting in inability to complete activities of daily living.
Where it's running
-
London Health Sciences Centre
London, Ontario, Canada Recruiting
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Rahul Nayak, MD MSc — Western University
- Study coordinator: Deb Lewis
- Email: deb.lewis@lhsc.on.ca
- Phone: 5196858500
Similar studies
Other studies for the same condition or treatment. Recruiting studies are listed first.
-
Can short-term atorvastatin around surgery help prevent atrial fibrillation after lung surgery?
This trial tests whether giving a short course of atorvastatin around surgery can reduce new atrial fibrillation after lung resection in adults aged 60 and older.
-
Music and Multisensory Interventions for Pain During Chest Tube Removal in Infants with Congenital Heart Disease
This trial tests whether music or a multisensory mobile intervention can reduce pain and stabilize physiology during chest tube removal in 2- to 12-month-old infants with congenital heart disease.
-
Forest sounds in virtual reality during chest tube removal
This test checks whether listening to forest sounds while wearing a virtual reality headset helps adults feel less pain and more comfortable during chest tube removal.
-
Right Ventricle Response After Major Lung Resection with Minimally Invasive or Open Surgery
This study tests how the right side of the heart handles increased pressure after major lung surgery in patients with heart or lung risks, comparing minimally invasive procedures to open surgery.
-
Using intraoperative ventilation to predict postoperative air leaks after thoracoscopic lobectomy or segmentectomy
This project will try using intraoperative ventilation during thoracoscopic lobectomy or segmentectomy to see if it can predict which patients will have postoperative air leaks.
-
Can newly trained clinicians use bedside lung ultrasound to detect a collapsed lung after heart surgery?
This study will test whether medical trainees can use a bedside lung ultrasound to find a collapsed lung in adults after heart surgery.
How to take part
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
- Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.