PP13 AMBULATORY PNEUMOTHORAX MANAGEMENT: UTILIZATION OF P-EGGY DRAIN; REVIEW OF SINGLE CENTRE EXPERIENCE

Gahyathri Balakrishnan, Arvindran Alaga, Chan Tha A Hing
Respiratory Department, Hospital Sultanah Bahiyah, Alor Setar, Kedah.

Introduction 

Pneumothorax can lead to lung collapse and respiratory distress. Traditional management involves hospital admission and chest tube insertion to evacuate the air and allow the lung to re-expand. Latest guidelines advocate the ambulatory management of pneumothorax.The P-eggy drain is an innovative device designed to manage pneumothorax as outpatient, potentially reducing hospital stays and improving quality of life.

Objectives 

This study aims to evaluate the efficacy and safety of the P-eggy drain in ambulatory management of  pneumothorax in a single centre.

Methodology

A retrospective review was conducted on patients treated with the P-eggy drain for pneumothorax between April 2023 till April 2024. Data were collected from patient clinic records, including age, sex, type of pneumothorax, duration of P-eggy drain use, complications, and outcomes. Cases included both primary spontaneous and secondary pneumothorax. 

Results 

Four cases were reviewed; 3 males and 1 female ranging from 18-51 years old. The P-eggy drain was utilised for 1 spontaneous pneumothorax and 3 secondary pneumothorax patients. 2 patients achieved total resolution and 2 more required further surgical intervention(managed as outpatient).

The mean number of days the P-eggy drain was in-situ for all patients was 11.2 days. Approximate total of 50 hospitalization days were able to be saved with this ambulatory drain.  No adverse events seen in all four cases.

Conclusions 

This single centre review shows that the P-eggy drain appears to be an effective and safe option for managing pneumothorax. It facilitates early discharge, reducing the burden on hospital resources. It allows patients to continue their recovery at home with regular follow-up and potentially cost saving.