ObjectiveTo evaluate the feasibility and safety of improving chest drainage procedure by applying postoperative chest drainage with central venous catheter for uniportal video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) lobectomy in fast track recovery. MethodsBetween July 2016 and March 2018, a total of 150 patients who underwent uniportal VATS lobectomy by the same chief surgeon were recruited. All patients were randomly divided into two groups including a trial group and a control group. In the trial group, there were 44 males and 28 females with an average age of 47±11 years. Central venous catheter and 26F silicone rubber tuber were used and chest tube was removed when drainage volume less than 300 ml/d. Chest X ray was conducted three days after discharge from hospital and the central venous catheter was removed after thoracentesis. In the control group, there were 40 males and 29 females with an average ages of 52±13 years, 26 F silicone rubber tuber and chest tube were removed when drainage volume less than 100 ml/d. The clinical effectiveness was compared between the two groups. ResultsNo statistically significant difference was observed between the trial group and the control group in the date of preoperative general information, the occurrence of postoperative complications and the visual analogue score on Day1 after the operation. However, the visual analogue score, intubation time, post-operative length of stay, the frequency of using tramadol were all significantly shorter or lower in the trial group when compared with the control group (P<0.05). Seven patients of the trial group suffered moderate pleural effusion after intubation, which was significantly more than that of the control group (P<0.05). Six patients recovered after thoracentes through central venous catheter. The average amount of pleural effusions before removing the central venous catheter was 74.8 ml. ConclusionThe use of central venous catheter and 26 F silicone rubber tuber after uniportal VATS lobectomy is safe and feasible for the early removal of chest tube. It is beneficial to fast track recovery.