Comparison of the efficacy of digital versus traditional suction drainage system in the treatment of pneumothorax with air leak

Digital drainage system consists of electronic portable pump that supports a constant negative pressure. The pressure can be regulated to different values. A computer keyboard enables continuous digital air leak (AL) recording. Digital drainage, owing to the analysis of quantitative data recorded in the form of electronic memory of the device, allows to determine precisely when the AL stoppage occurred. This gives the possibility of earlier decision of drainage removal or qualification for surgery. Improvement in the comfort of patients owing to maintained full mobility from the very beginning of the treatment, which can be also regarded as a form of physiotherapy accelerating expansion of the collapsed lung, should be listed among additional advantages associated with this system. Study groups Group A: digital drainage system (DDS) with electronic portable pump that supports a constant negative pressure which can be regulated from -15 cm H2O was applied in the patients. Group B: traditional suction drainage system (TSDS) connected to the wall suction port with a constant negative pressure which can be regulated from -15 cm H2O was used. AL was subjectively assessed by bubbling in the water-seal column. The duration of the drainage with the application of DDS was conditioned by obtaining AL. stoppage. The chest tube was considered ready for removal after all the following conditions were met: 1) no more than 200 mL/24 h of pleural effusion output; 2) an average AL flow 0 mL/min during the last 6 h; 3) sufficient lung expansion at the portable chest-X ray. In case of a limited AL (no more than 20 ml/min during the last 12 h) and sufficient lung expansion at the radiological control, suction Thopaz drainage system was switched to gravity mode corresponding to passive drainage with water seal. If AL stopped within 6 h of observation, the chest tube was finally removed