Abstract
Background The aim of this study is to compare the insertion sites of drainage tubes placed
in the left thorax after elective coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) surgeries.
Materials and Methods Patients were divided into two groups based on the site of tube insertion into the
left hemithorax: those with a tube inserted from the subxiphoid region and those with
a tube inserted from the left intercostal region. Comparative analyses between these
two groups and factor analyses contributing to the outcome were performed.
Results There were no significant differences observed in terms of age, gender, height, and
weight among patients undergoing coronary artery bypass surgery based on the site
of drain placement. Twelve patients (5.2%) required re-drainage procedures, with five
(41.7%) for pneumothorax and seven (58.3%) for pleural effusion. Atelectasis was absent
in 144 patients (62.1%) while present in 88 patients (37.9%). The frequency of atrial
fibrillation (AF) was significantly higher in the group with intercostal drains. Additionally,
pain scale scores were significantly higher in patients with intercostal drains. Path
analysis revealed that the visual pain scale value played a full mediating role in
the effect of the drain site on AF.
Conclusion The statistically significant occurrence of pain and higher rates of postoperative
AF in patients with intercostal tube placement are noteworthy. We believe that in
patients undergoing elective coronary artery bypass surgery, the drain placed in the
left hemithorax should be inserted from the subxiphoid region, if there are no contraindications.
Keywords
coronary artery bypass surgery - atrial fibrillation - drain - pain
