RecruitingOBSERVATIONAL

Prospective Study Evaluating the Effectiveness of Intraoperative Ventilation for Predicting Postoperative Air Leaks During Major Lung Resections by Conventional or Robotic Thoracoscopy

This study aims to discover if we can use measurements from breathing machines during lung surgery to predict if a patient will have an air leak afterwards. Air leaks, where air escapes from the lungs, are a common problem after lung operations, especially when done with keyhole surgery. Although often not painful themselves, they can lead to longer hospital stays and increased pain from drain tubes. By finding a better way to predict leaks during surgery, we hope to reduce the need for painful drains and help patients recover quicker and more comfortably. This study is observational, meaning we're just looking at current practices without changing how patients are treated.

At a glance

Status

Recruiting

Sponsor

GCS Ramsay Santé pour l'Enseignement et la Recherche

Enrolment target

100

Start

14 Jan 2026

Estimated completion

01 Dec 2026

Air Leak From Lung Lung Surgery

What is this study about?

When people have lung surgery, especially for conditions like lung cancer, a common issue afterward is an 'air leak'. This happens when tiny holes in the lung surface let air escape. Even with modern surgical techniques, air leaks are still the main reason people have to stay in hospital longer than expected after a lung operation. While the leak itself isn't usually painful, dealing with it often means having drainage tubes placed in the chest, which can be quite uncomfortable.

Traditionally, surgeons would check for air leaks during open surgery by submerging the lung in water. However, with more keyhole (minimally invasive) surgery becoming common, this method doesn't work as well because the chest is kept closed. This study is trying to find a new way to spot these leaks during keyhole surgery using information from the breathing machine. If we can accurately predict who will have an air leak, we might be able to avoid placing painful drain tubes in some patients, leading to a much smoother and faster recovery.

This study, called NODRAIN, isn't about trying new treatments. Instead, it's about observing and collecting information from patients who are already having lung surgery. All patients will receive the usual care, including having a breathing machine used during surgery and drains placed afterward if needed. By looking at the measurements from the breathing machine and then seeing who develops an air leak, researchers hope to find a clear link. This link could help doctors decide if a patient truly needs a drain, potentially reducing pain and hospital time for many in the future.

Key takeaways

Study looks for better ways to predict air leaks after lung surgery.
Air leaks can cause longer hospital stays and discomfort from drains.
Aims to use breathing machine data during keyhole surgery.
If successful, could help patients avoid painful drains and recover faster.
Participation involves no changes to your usual medical care.

Who may be eligible?

To join this study, you need to be an adult (18 or over) who is having a specific type of lung surgery called a lobectomy or an anatomical segmentectomy. This must be done using keyhole surgery, which means it uses small cuts rather than a large opening in the chest.

You would not be able to join if you are having open chest surgery, or if you've had lung surgery on the same side before. People with certain lung conditions like pulmonary fibrosis, or those who are considered particularly vulnerable under French law, cannot participate. If your surgery changes significantly during the operation, or if you need drains other than the standard type, you would also not be able to take part.

Could this study suit you?

Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.

Are you 18 years old or older?
Are you having a lobectomy or anatomical segmentectomy using keyhole surgery?
Have you NOT had previous lung surgery on the same side?
Do you NOT have a condition called pulmonary fibrosis?
Will your surgeon NOT need to switch to open chest surgery during your operation?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

If you take part in this study, you won't have any changes to your surgery or the care you receive. Your surgeon will use a breathing machine during your operation, which is standard practice. Afterwards, if needed, you'll have drains placed, just as would normally happen. The study will simply collect information from these routine procedures, such as data from the breathing machine during surgery and whether you experience an air leak afterwards. There are no extra appointments or medications involved. The study simply observes your usual care.

Potential risks and benefits

There are no direct risks to you from taking part in this study, as it only involves collecting information from your standard surgery and recovery. You will not have any extra procedures or tests. The potential benefit is that the findings might help future patients avoid painful drains and have shorter hospital stays after lung surgery. You have the right to withdraw your permission for your data to be used at any time, without affecting your medical care.

Locations (1)

Hôpital privé d'Anthony
Verified postcode
Antony, France· Recruiting

Common questions

What is an air leak?

An air leak happens when air escapes from your lung after surgery, often through tiny holes on its surface.

Is an air leak painful?

The air leak itself is usually not painful, but the drain tubes often needed to manage it can be uncomfortable.

Will taking part change my surgery?

No, your surgery and care will be exactly the same as if you weren't in the study. We are just collecting information.

Why is this study important?

It could help doctors predict air leaks better, potentially reducing the need for drains and helping future patients recover faster.

Can I choose not to have my data used?

Yes, you have the right to say you don't want your data included in the study at any time, and this won't affect your medical care.

How to find out more

Dr Madalina GRIGOROIU

madalina.grigoroiu@gmail.com (0)7 60 39 19 10 Official trial record

Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.