The Blake Drains were removed an average of 4 (range 1-21) days after surgery. We had the, not unusual, complications of tube obstruction or massive subcutaneous emphysema due to poor air drainage, but nothing unique to the Blake Drain. Tube obstruction occurred in 37 (16.7%) ST patients and in 3 (1.3%) LT patients (p<0.001). We replaced the Blake Drain with trocar tubes due to obstruction or massive subcutaneous emphysema in 5 (2.3%) ST patients and 4 (1.7%) LT patients (p=0.69). The Blake Drain removal wounds were sutured in 59 (26.6%) ST patients and 14 (6.1%) LT patients (p<0.001). Summary: Tube obstruction occurred significantly more frequently in ST patients. However, there was no difference in the need for Blake Drain replacement between ST and LT patients. Initially we were not confident in using just tape and leaving the removal wound un-sutured so more ST patients had removal wound suturing. Less than 10% of the LT patients needed suturing. This occurred mostly if the Blake Drain was in for a long period. Conclusions: Blake Drains in the Long Tube placement showed good drainage capability in lung resection patients. Most patients did not need Blake Drain removal wound suturing. This saves considerable surgeon's time.
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