Early removal of chest tubes after surgery for spontaneous pneumothorax

Early Chest Tube Removal After Surgery for Primary Spontaneous Pneumothorax: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Not applicable Interventional Swedish Medical Center · NCT06411431

This study tests if taking out chest tubes a day earlier after surgery for a collapsed lung helps patients feel better and leave the hospital sooner without increasing the chance of problems.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment200 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorSwedish Medical Center Academic / other
Drugs / interventionschemotherapy, radiation, prednisone
Locations1 site (Seattle, Washington)
Trial IDNCT06411431 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This clinical trial investigates the effects of early chest tube removal on patients undergoing video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) for primary spontaneous pneumothorax (PSP). Participants will be randomly assigned to either early removal on postoperative day 1 or standard removal on postoperative day 2. The study aims to determine if early removal leads to similar recurrence rates while reducing hospital stay and discomfort. The trial will include adult patients who meet specific eligibility criteria and will be conducted at multiple centers.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults over 18 undergoing VATS with blebectomy/wedge resection and chemical pleurodesis for primary spontaneous pneumothorax.

Not a fit: Patients with secondary spontaneous pneumothorax, prior chest surgery, or those who are immunocompromised will not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could lead to shorter hospital stays and reduced discomfort for patients recovering from surgery for spontaneous pneumothorax.

How similar studies have performed: While this approach is novel in the context of chest tube management for PSP, similar studies in other surgical contexts have shown promising results.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Patient undergoing video assisted thoracoscopic surgery with blebectomy/wedge resection and chemical pleurodesis for primary spontaneous pneumothorax
* Adult patients (\> 18 years)

Exclusion Criteria:

* Subjects with history of chest radiation or prior ipsilateral chest surgery
* Tuberculosis or other infectious etiology
* Secondary spontaneous pneumothorax (COPD, cancer, cystic fibrosis, connective tissue disease, sarcoidosis, catamenial, etc.)
* Pneumothorax due to trauma
* Hemothorax or hydropneumothorax
* Immunocompromised subjects: neutropenic, leukopenia, or subjects taking immunosuppressive medication such as chemotherapy, transplant medications, steroid (≥5 mg of prednisone or equivalent), etc.
* Interstitial lung disease
* Children (\<18)
* Pregnant women
* Adults unable to consent for themselves
* Prisoners

Where this trial is running

Seattle, Washington

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.
Conditions Primary Spontaneous Pneumothorax
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 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.