"Z" chest drainage and modified incision and closure techniques for single-incision VATS

Objective To research the application of "Z" chest drainage and modified incision and closure techniques for single-incision VATS. Methods 422 patients by uniportal VATS were divided into three groups: 282 in experimental group( "Z" Chest drainage with 16 F stomach tube), male 156, female 126, median age is 55 years old; 100 in control group 1(traditional chest drainage with 16 F stomach tube) , male 58, female 42, median age is 53 years old; 40 in control group 2(traditional chest drainage with 34 F chest tube), male 24, female 16, median age is 52 years old. To compare the incidence rate of incision exudating、poor healing of incision and debridement between the 3 groups. Results The age, sex and surgical method of the three groups has no statistical significance. Incidence rate of incision exudating of experimental group, control group 1 and control group 2: 5(1.8%, 5/282), 5(5.0%, 5/100) and 6(15.0%, 6/40); Poor healing of incision of the three groups: 0, 1(1.0%, 1/100) and 3(7.5%, 3/40); debridement of the three groups: 0, 0 and 3(7.5%, 3/40). For the healing of incision, control group 1 was better than control group 2; and experimental group was better than control group 1. Conclusion "Z" chest drainage and modified incision and closure techniques decreased the incidence rate of incision exudate、poor healing of incision and debridement, it could be useful to obtain a better cosmetic effect after single-incision VATS. Key words: Single-incision VATS; "Z" chest drainage; Incision and closure techniques