Objective To examine the application effectiveness of double 8F ultra-fine pigtail tube drainage versus a single 28F thick chest tube in single-incision thoracoscopic lobectomy/Segmentectomy. Methods Clinical data of patients who underwent single-port video-assisted thoracoscopic lung segment/lobe resection surgeries within our medical group from January 2020 to August 2023 were retrospectively analyzed. They were categorized into two groups based on postoperative drainage methods: a dual 8F ultrafine pigtail tube drainage and a single 28F large-bore chest tube drainage. Comparative analysis was performed on perioperative data for the two groups of patients. Results The group with dual 8F ultrafine pigtail tubes comprised 68 patients, with 41 females and 27 males, and an average age of 54.72±13.34 years, while the group with a single 28F large-bore chest tube comprised 80 patients, with 40 females and 40 males, and an average age of 57.60±11.04 years. There were statistical differences between the two groups in terms of postoperative drainage volume on day 1, day 2, and day 3, total postoperative drainage volume, postoperative tube placement time, postoperative pain score at 48 hours, maximum postoperative pain score, postoperative hospital stay, postoperative complications related to drainage tubes, and emergency use of painkillers after surgery. Conclusion After single-port thoracoscopic lung lobe/segmentectomy, the application of dual ultrafine 8F pigtail drainage can lead to a reduction in postoperative drainage volume. This approach also shortens the duration of postoperative drainage tube placement and hospital stay, thereby decreasing postoperative pain and the frequency of emergency analgesic injections. Moreover, it lowers the incidence of drainage tube-related complications. In alignment with current enhanced recovery after surgery principles, this approach is advantageous for patient postoperative recovery and holds clinical significance for broader adoption.