Outpatient Chest Tube Management Following Thoracic Resection Improves Patient Length of Stay and Satisfaction Without Compromising Outcomes

Medical chart database to identify patients ,of one thoracic surgeon over the last seven years, who underwent thoracic resection and were discharged home with an air leak and chest tube to portable drainage device was completed. Once all patients were identified, all possible vulnerable patients were discarded. Written consent for participation was obtained by eligible patients and subjects willing to participate were given further explanation of the study. All willing participants completed an Outpatient Chest Tube Quality of Life Questionnaire. Upon completion of the questionnaire participants involvement in the study was complete. Data was collected and correlations between variables statistically analysed to determine significant factors affecting care.