The mean chest tube removal time ( 2.1 0.9 vs 2.9 1.0 days ; P < 0.001 ) and the median hospital stay [ 3 days ( IQR : 1-3 ) vs 4 days ( IQR : 2-4 ) , P < 0.003 ] were significantly shorter in Group S. None of the patients required a redrainage procedure due to a persistent and symptomatic pleural effusion .