Single chest drain versus two drains after esophagectomy

Outcomes of Transhiatal Drain Placement in Esophagectomy, a Randomised Control Trial

Not applicable Interventional Khyber Teaching Hospital · NCT07125248

This will test whether using one chest drain instead of two helps people recover more easily after open surgery to remove esophageal cancer.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment68 (estimated)
SexAll
SponsorKhyber Teaching Hospital Academic / other
Locations1 site (Peshawar, Khyberpukhtunkhwa)
Trial IDNCT07125248 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This interventional study compares outcomes for patients undergoing open esophagectomy who receive either a single pleural drain or the conventional two chest drains. Participants treated at the Khyber Teaching Hospital will receive one of the two drainage approaches during surgery and be followed for postoperative outcomes. Key outcomes include pain, mobility, pleural fluid accumulation, need for additional drainage, and other complications. The trial includes all consenting adults having open esophagectomy for carcinoma and excludes those operated for benign disease.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Adults scheduled for open esophagectomy for esophageal carcinoma at Khyber Teaching Hospital who consent to participate are the intended candidates.

Not a fit: Patients having minimally invasive esophagectomy, those operated for benign disease, or patients with conditions requiring multiple drains may not benefit from this approach.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, using a single drain could reduce pain and improve early mobility while maintaining safe control of chest fluid.

How similar studies have performed: Recent reports suggest a single chest drain can be safe and effective after thoracic surgery, so this trial builds on emerging evidence.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* All patients undergoing open esophagectomy for carcinoma of esophagus

Exclusion Criteria:

* Non consenting individuals esophagectomy for benign disease

Where this trial is running

Peshawar, Khyberpukhtunkhwa

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 PleuraEffusionEsophageal AdenocarcinomaEsophageal Anastomotic Leak
Last reviewed 2026-06-09 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.