Early pleural fluid dynamics following video-assisted thoracoscopic lobectomy has limited clinical value.

The objective of this study was to evaluate the potential of predicting the pleural fluid output in patients after video-assisted thoracoscopic lobectomy of the lung. Detailed measurements of continuous fluid output were obtained prospectively using an electronic thoracic drainage device (Thopaz+(TM) Medela AG, Switzerland). Patients were divided into high (>= 500 mL) and low (< 500 mL) 24-hour fluid output, and detailed flow curves were plotted graphically to identify arithmetic patterns predicting fluid output in the early (<= 24 hours) and later (24-48 hours) post-operative phase. Furthermore, multiple logistic regression analysis was used to predict high 24-hour fluid output using baseline data. Data were obtained from 50 patients, where 52% had a fluid output of < 500 mL/24 hours. From visual assessment of flow curves, patients were grouped according to fluid output 6 hours postoperatively. An output >= 200 mL/6 hours was predictive of 'high 24-hour fluid output' (P < 0.0001). However, 33% of patients with < 200 mL/6 hours ended with a 'high 24-hour fluid output'. Baseline data showed no predictive value of fluid production, and 24-hour fluid output had no predictive value of fluid output between 24 and 48 hours. Assessment of initial fluid production may predict high 24-hour fluid output (>= 500 mL) but seems to lack clinical value in drain removal criteria.