[Digital Drainage Systems in Postoperative Chest Tube Management after Pulmonary Resection: Current Status and Future Perspectives].

Abstract

Chest drainage management is an essential component of perioperative care after pulmonary resection, aiming to evacuate intrapleural air and fluid and promote lung re-expansion. However, conventional chest drainage systems mainly rely on manual observation, making continuous and quantitative assessment of air leakage difficult and resulting in subjective decision-making regarding the timing of chest tube removal. In recent years, digital drainage systems (DDS) have been increasingly applied in clinical practice. By using integrated sensors, DDS enables continuous monitoring of pleural pressure, air flow, and fluid drainage, and provides dynamic trend curves, thereby offering objective evidence for chest tube management. DDS may improve the accuracy of drainage assessment and optimize chest tube management strategies; however, its widespread adoption remains influenced by factors such as cost, clinical experience, and healthcare system differences. This review summarizes the current application status, advantages, and challenges of DDS in postoperative chest drainage management after pulmonary resection.
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