ACTIVE OR PASSIVE CHEST DRAINAGE AFTER ESOPHAGECTOMY IN 101 PATIENTS - A PROSPECTIVE RANDOMIZED STUDY

Background This study evaluates the efficiency and safety of two metho ds of chest drainage after uncomplicated oesophagectomy. Methods A pro spective randomized study between active suction drainage and passive chest drainage was carried out in 101 patients who underwent gastric p ull-up oesophagectomy. Results No difference in the prevalence of pneu mothorax during treatment was noted between the active (nine of 55) an d the passive (four of 46) drainage groups (P = 0.20). Nor was there a ny difference in the size (P = 0.46) and duration (P = 0.53) of the pn eumothorax. There was no significant difference in right (P = 0.84) an d left (P = 0.61) basal atelectases and the amounts of right (P = 0.10 ) and left (P = 0.24) pleural effusions. There were significantly more basal atelectases (P < 0.001) and pleural effusions (P < 0.001) in th e non-operated left side compared with the operated right side. Postop erative hospital stay was the same in both groups (median 13 days; P = 0.86). The hospital mortality rate was two of 101, and was not affect ed by the type of drainage. Conclusion Passive drainage did not reduce hospital stay, but was as safe and effective as the active system in draining the pleural cavity after uncomplicated oesophagectomy.