Comparison of Chest Tube Wound Closure: Comparison Between Purse String Method and Plug Method.

Study Results

Results pending

The study team has not published outcome measurements, participant flow, or safety data for this trial yet. Check back later for updates.

Basic Information

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Recruitment Status

NOT_YET_RECRUITING

Clinical Phase

NA

Total Enrollment

246 participants

Study Classification

INTERVENTIONAL

Study Start Date

2026-01-01

Study Completion Date

2026-12-31

Brief Summary

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This prospective, comparative clinical study evaluates two techniques of chest tube wound closure-purse-string suture and the simple suture/plug method-to determine differences in cosmetic outcomes, wound complications, and overall patient satisfaction following chest tube removal. The study aims to identify the closure technique that provides optimal wound healing with fewer postoperative complications.

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Detailed Description

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Chest tube removal often results in small but cosmetically significant wounds. The traditional purse-string suture technique is widely used due to its presumed ability to ensure air-tight closure; however, it is frequently associated with circular or puckered scars that affect cosmetic appearance. Recently, the simple suture/plug method has been proposed as a more cosmetic alternative while maintaining adequate wound integrity.

This study prospectively enrolls patients requiring chest tube removal and allocates them to one of the two wound closure techniques. Standardized postoperative care is provided to all participants. The primary outcome is cosmetic appearance of the scar, evaluated using a validated scar assessment scale at follow-up. Secondary outcomes include wound infection, seroma or discharge, persistent air leak, wound dehiscence, time to healing, and patient satisfaction.

The findings are expected to help clinicians select the most effective and cosmetically favorable method for chest tube wound closure in routine surgical practice.

Conditions

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Pneumothorax Hemothorax Chest Tube Chest Tube Removal Purse String Plug Method

Study Design

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Allocation Method

NON_RANDOMIZED

Intervention Model

PARALLEL

Primary Study Purpose

TREATMENT

Blinding Strategy

NONE

Study Groups

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Purse string group

Patients in this arm will have the chest tube removal site closed using a purse-string suture technique. After chest tube removal and haemostasis, a single circumferential (purse-string) stitch is placed around the wound margin and tightened to approximate the skin edges. Skin is left approximated; additional superficial interrupted skin sutures may be applied at the investigator's discretion. Suture material: monofilament nylon or silk, per local practice. Standard sterile dressing applied. Post-procedure wound care and follow-up are identical to the comparator arm.

Group Type ACTIVE_COMPARATOR

Purse string suture closure

Intervention Type PROCEDURE

PURSE STRING METHOD OF CLOSURE: A circumferential suture is placed around the chest tube insertion site before or after tube removal. The suture is tightened like a drawstring to approximate the skin edges and close the wound. This method provides an air-tight seal but often results in a puckered, circular scar.

PLUG METHOD OF CLOSURE: After chest tube removal, the tract is allowed to collapse naturally and is gently plugged with a small gauze piece impregnated with petroleum jelly.

Plug Method group

After chest tube removal, the wound is swiftly plugged off with an impregnable gauze and no sutures applied. The gauze is then fixed with air tight dressing

Group Type EXPERIMENTAL

Plug method closure

Intervention Type PROCEDURE

An impregnable gauze which is made airtight by coating it in petroleum jelly is swiftly placed over the chest wound site as the chest tube is removed and an air tight dressing done.

Interventions

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Purse string suture closure

PURSE STRING METHOD OF CLOSURE: A circumferential suture is placed around the chest tube insertion site before or after tube removal. The suture is tightened like a drawstring to approximate the skin edges and close the wound. This method provides an air-tight seal but often results in a puckered, circular scar.

PLUG METHOD OF CLOSURE: After chest tube removal, the tract is allowed to collapse naturally and is gently plugged with a small gauze piece impregnated with petroleum jelly.

Intervention Type PROCEDURE

Plug method closure

An impregnable gauze which is made airtight by coating it in petroleum jelly is swiftly placed over the chest wound site as the chest tube is removed and an air tight dressing done.

Intervention Type PROCEDURE

Eligibility Criteria

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Inclusion Criteria

1. All patients \>18 years of age
2. Patients undergoing chest tube insertion for traumatic causes including Pneumothorax, hemothorax and hemopneumothorax.