Biofilm on Chest Drains After Thoracic Surgery: Clinical Impact and Antibiotic Resistance

Caner İşevi, MD

Status: Enrolling

Conditions: Antibiotic Resistance, Bacterial; Postoperative Infection; Biofilms; Thoracic Surgery

Treatments: Other: Chest Drain Tip Sampling

Study type: Observational

Funder types: Other

Identifiers

NCT07228598

B.30.2.ODM.0.20.08/600-660

Details and patient eligibility

About

This prospective observational study aims to investigate the frequency and clinical significance of biofilm formation on thoracic chest drains used after thoracic surgery. Biofilms are structured bacterial communities that adhere to surfaces and can promote infection and antibiotic resistance. In this study, small samples from the tips of chest drains will be collected under sterile conditions at the time of drain removal and analyzed in the microbiology laboratory.

The main objectives are to evaluate the relationship between the duration of chest drain placement and the presence of biofilm, and to identify the antibiotic resistance profiles of microorganisms isolated from these biofilms. Secondary outcomes include the association between biofilm formation, postoperative infections (such as empyema or wound infection), and the length of hospital stay.

This study will be conducted at Ondokuz Mayıs University Faculty of Medicine, Department of Thoracic Surgery, in collaboration with the Department of Microbiology. The findings are expected to contribute to better understanding of optimal drain management and infection prevention strategies after thoracic surgery.

Enrollment: 180 estimated patients

Sex: All

Ages: 18+ years old

Volunteers: No Healthy Volunteers

Inclusion criteria

• Age 18 years and older
• Undergoing elective thoracic surgery requiring chest drain placement
• Able and willing to provide written informed consent

Exclusion criteria

• Presence of active infection prior to surgery
• Emergency thoracic surgery
• Immunosuppressed patients (e.g., neutropenia, advanced malignancy, organ transplantation)
• Patients receiving systemic antibiotic therapy at the time of drain removal
• Drainage for empyema or pre-existing pleural infection
• Presence of extrathoracic infection focus
• Refusal or inability to provide informed consent

Trial design

180 participants in 3 patient groups

Group 1 -Short Drain Duration (≤2 Days)

Description:

Participants whose thoracic chest drains were removed within 2 days after surgery. Drain tip samples from these patients will be analyzed for biofilm formation and microbiological culture.

Treatment:

Other: Chest Drain Tip Sampling

Group 2 - Moderate Drain Duration (3-4 Days)

Description:

Participants whose thoracic chest drains remained in place for 3 to 4 days postoperatively. Drain tips will be examined for biofilm presence and bacterial growth patterns.

Treatment:

Other: Chest Drain Tip Sampling

Group 3 - Long Drain Duration (≥5 Days)

Description:

Participants with chest drains in place for 5 days or longer. Biofilm formation, bacterial species identification, and antibiotic resistance profiles will be evaluated.

Treatment:

Other: Chest Drain Tip Sampling