RecruitingNAINTERVENTIONAL

Patient Reported Outcomes Targeting Early Chest Tube Removal (PROTECTR) Study

The PROTECTR study is investigating a new approach to care for patients undergoing keyhole lung surgery (VATS). Traditionally, a chest tube might stay in for at least a day after surgery, even for minor procedures. This study wants to see if it's safe and beneficial to remove the chest tube on the very same day as the surgery. The goal is to make recovery smoother, reduce discomfort from the tube, and potentially allow patients to go home sooner. This could lead to less reliance on pain medication and an overall better experience after lung surgery, with the hope that fewer patients will experience long-term pain.

At a glance

Status

Recruiting

Phase

Sponsor

London Health Sciences Centre Research Institute OR Lawson Research Institute of St. Joseph's

Enrolment target

130

Start

22 Oct 2024

Estimated completion

31 Dec 2026

Lung Surgery Chest Tube Removal Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS)

What is this study about?

When you have lung surgery, especially modern keyhole procedures (often called VATS), a small tube called a chest tube is usually put in. This tube helps drain any fluid or air that might collect around your lung after the operation. While these keyhole surgeries have made big improvements to recovery times, the way hospitals handle chest tubes hasn't always kept up.

Currently, many patients might stay in hospital for at least 24 hours with a chest tube, even for small operations. However, some early research suggests that for many people, serious problems don't often happen during this first 24-hour period. Keeping the chest tube in for a long time can be quite uncomfortable, often leading to more pain medication and potentially even long-lasting pain. It can also mean staying in hospital for longer than necessary, which might cause more problems than it solves.

The PROTECTR study is testing if it's safe and practical to remove the chest tube on the same day you have your lung surgery. Researchers have already done some initial work that shows chest tubes can sometimes be removed as early as 3 hours after minor keyhole lung operations without any serious issues. This study aims to build on that knowledge, focusing on reducing discomfort, pain medicine use, and helping you recover and get home sooner after your surgery.

Key takeaways

This study explores removing chest tubes on the same day as keyhole lung surgery.
The goal is to improve patient comfort, reduce pain medication, and shorten hospital stays.
It aims to make recovery from lung surgery smoother and quicker.
Early research suggests this approach might be safe and beneficial.
Participation is voluntary, and patient safety is the top priority.

Who may be eligible?

To be considered for this study, you must be 18 years old or older and be scheduled for a specific type of keyhole lung surgery called a VATS segmental or lobar resection (where a part or lobe of your lung is removed).

There are some reasons why you might not be able to take part. For example, if your lung function tests (like how much air you can breathe out in one second or how well your lungs use oxygen) show your lung capacity is less than 50% of what's expected. Also, if you need a treatment called pleurodesis during surgery (which helps prevent fluid build-up), or if your keyhole surgery needs to be changed to a more open type of surgery during the operation, you wouldn't be able to join. Finally, if you have a condition that affects your thinking and makes it hard to manage everyday tasks, you also wouldn't be eligible.

Could this study suit you?

Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.

Are you 18 years old or older?
Are you having keyhole lung surgery (VATS segmental or lobar resection)?
Have your lung function tests shown good lung capacity (not less than 50% predicted)?
Are you not expected to have a special lung treatment called pleurodesis during surgery?
Do you not have a condition that makes it hard to manage daily activities?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

If you decide to take part in this study, the main difference will be that doctors will aim to remove your chest tube on the same day as your keyhole lung surgery. Your medical team will monitor you closely after your operation to ensure you meet specific safety criteria before removing the tube. You'll still have all the usual checks and care you would normally receive after lung surgery. The total duration of your participation would typically involve your hospital stay and any follow-up appointments your medical team considers necessary for your particular recovery, which may be shorter than usual if you go home sooner.

Potential risks and benefits

Taking part in this study may offer potential benefits, such as less discomfort from the chest tube, a reduced need for strong pain medication, a potentially shorter hospital stay, and a faster return to your usual activities. There's also the hope of reducing the risk of long-term pain. As with any new approach, there are potential risks, such as the possibility that the tube might need to be reinserted, or that you might still experience pain. However, the study is designed with safety criteria to minimise these risks. Remember, your participation is completely voluntary, and you have the right to withdraw from the study at any time without it affecting your medical care.

Locations (1)

London Health Sciences Centre
Verified postcode
London, Canada· Recruiting

Common questions

What is a chest tube?

A thin, flexible tube inserted into your chest after lung surgery to drain any air or fluid and help your lung expand fully.

What is keyhole lung surgery?

This is a type of surgery using small cuts and special instruments, often called VATS, which is less invasive than traditional open surgery.

Will I be in more pain if the tube is removed early?

The study aims to see if removing the tube earlier can actually reduce pain and discomfort in the long run, and potentially lessen the need for painkillers.

Will I still receive pain relief even if my tube is removed early?

Yes, your medical team will ensure you have appropriate pain relief to manage any discomfort after your surgery, regardless of when your chest tube is removed.

Can I change my mind about taking part?

Absolutely. You can choose to stop participating in the study at any point, and your decision will not affect the quality of your medical care.

How to find out more

Deb Lewis

deb.lewis@lhsc.on.ca 5196858500 Official trial record

Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.