n (%)

Variable

70 (100)

Maximal acceptable daily pleural drain output prior to removal (ml)

<200

200 - 299

300 - 399

400 - 499

>500

Missing

5 (7.14)

21 (30.0)

16 (22.86)

21 (30.0)

4 (5.71)

3 (4.29)

Pleural drain removal >400 ml/24 hours

<400

>400

Missing

42 (60.0)

25 (35.71)

3 (4.29)

Rational pleural drain removal algorithm used in clinical practice

Algorithm from thoracic training

Individual experience based algorithm

Evidence based algorithm

Group practice based algorithm

Missing

15 (21.43)

23 (32.86)

18 (25.71)

12 (17.14)

2 (2.86)

Pleural drains left after routine pulmonary lobectomy

One 28 French

Two 28 French

One 28 French, and One 14 French

One 24 French

One 14 French

Missing

44 (62.86)

15 (21.43)

6 (8.57)

2 (2.86)

1 (1.43)

2 (2.86)

Years in thoracic surgical practice

Still in Thoracic Training

1 - 5 years

6 - 10 years

11 - 20 years

21+ years

7 (10.0)

13 (18.57)

12 (17.14)

17 (24.29)

21 (30.0)

Practice type

Academic*

Community

51 (72.86)

19 (27.14)