Simple continuous suture to strengthen the closure of intra-muscle used in the removal of uni-portal video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery thoracic drainage tube

Abstract

Background: Uni-portal video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) has become a popular type of thoracic surgery. However, improvements to the closure of the single drainage tube hole are still in need.

Methods: From February 2019 to May 2019, we included 50 patients who received uni-portal VATS for lung disease or mediastinal disease and simple continuous suture to strengthen the closure of intra-muscle combined with removal-free stitches on the skin. Follow-up items included incision length, chest tube drainage amount, chest tube drainage time, incision effusion leakage, postoperative subcutaneous emphysema, postoperative pain score.

Results: A total of 50 patients were included in this study, including 23 males and 27 females, with an average age of 60.08±9.73 years old. The mean drainage on the first day after operation was 236.56±141.50 mL, while the mean pain score on the first day after operation was 4.16±1.70. Among 50 patients, only two cases of subcutaneous emphysema occurred.

Conclusions: Applying innovative simple continuous suture to strengthen the closure of intra-muscle combined with removal-free stitches on the skin into the closure of uni-portal VATS is safe and feasible.

Keywords: Uni-portal; removal-free stitches; video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS).

Figure 1

Stitching process. (A) Fixation of drainage tube; (B) continuous suture of muscle layer; (C) intermittent suture of subcutaneous layer; (D) intradermal suture of skin; (E) completed suture; (F) lateral perspective of these sutures; (G) extubation.

Figure 2

Summary of patient condition. (A) The amount of surgical site; (B) the amount of surgical approach; (C) postoperative drainage volume; (D) postoperative pain score.