NCT07319572

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

Optimizing Chest Tube Removal: A Comparison of Purse-string Suture Closure and Plug Method.

• Status: Not Yet Recruiting
• Phase: N/A
• Study type: Interventional
• Enrollment: 246 (estimated)
• Sponsor: Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences · Other Government
• Sex: All
• Age: 18 Years
• Healthy volunteers: Not accepted

Summary

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.

Detailed description

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

• Pneumothorax
• Hemothorax
• Chest Tube
• Chest Tube Removal
• Purse String
• Plug Method

Interventions

Type	Name	Description
PROCEDURE	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.
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.

Timeline

• Start date: 2026-01-01
• Primary completion: 2026-12-31
• Completion: 2026-12-31
• First posted: 2026-01-06
• Last updated: 2026-01-06

Locations

1 site across 1 country: Pakistan