Clinical trial Recruiting at 1 site Interventional Ages 18 and up

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 typeInterventional
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
Enrollment130 (estimated)
SponsorLondon Health Sciences Centre Research Institute OR Lawson Research Institute of St. Joseph's
Academic / other
Locations1 site (London, Ontario)
StatusRecruiting
StartedOctober 22, 2024
Main results expectedNovember 1, 2026
Study endsDecember 31, 2026
Registry record updatedOctober 28, 2024
Trial IDNCT06444854 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 It aims to address the outdated post-operative care pathways that often require prolonged hospitalization and chest tube maintenance, which can lead to increased discomfort and complications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

Similar studies

Other studies for the same condition or treatment. Recruiting studies are listed first.

How to take part

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Last reviewed 2026-11-14 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.