Optimization of the technique of draining of the pleural cavity in pneumohydrotoraxis (experimental study)

Objective: to test the effectiveness of devices that facilitate the positioning of drainage tubes in the pleural cavity under experimental conditions.Methods: The study was prospective, quasi-randomized, controlled. Subject of the study: 30 corpses of both sexes. Three series of installation of drains were carried out 1. without the use of positioning devices (n = 10); 2. with usage of tracheostomy tube (n = 10); 3. using the original trocar adapter (n = 10). Draining of both pleural cavities was performed with the installation of two drains in each (to the apex and pleural sinus). The positioning of the drainage and kinking were visually monitored, and the distance to the drainage zone was measured. All experiments were performed by five surgeons who had no experience in pleural cavity draining, each of whom performed two experiments from each series.Results: 1. Draining without the use of positioning devices: translocation took place in 7 (18%) cases; kinking was recorded in 14 (35%) cases, and in 5 cases it was combined with drainage translocation. 2. Drainage using a tracheostomy tube: the success was achieved in 38 (95%) cases; in one case (2.5%) there was a drainage kinking, in one (2.5%) - translocation. 3. Drainage using a trocar adapter: success was achieved in all 40 (100%) cases, the drains were localized at the planned points, without kinks.Conclusion: The use of positioning devices facilitates the process of drainage of the pleural cavity, avoids typical complications and surpasses the results of “routine” drainage in terms of efficiency. The technique of simultaneous drainage of the upper and lower levels of the pleural cavity using a trocar adapter is easily performed by surgeons who do not have the appropriate experience.