title: Prospective randomized trial of high versus low vacuum drainage after axillary lymphadenectomy.
abstract: A randomized prospective trial was performed to assess the effect of low versus high vacuum drainage after axillary lymphadenectomy. The mean(s.e.m.) volume of seroma evacuated with a low vacuum system was 386(26) ml (n = 38) compared with 537(43) ml with a high vacuum system (n = 40) (P < 0.005). Low vacuum drains were removed earlier than high vacuum drains (P = 0.02). Seroma production after removal of the drains was not significantly different. The use of low vacuum drains after axillary dissection can reduce hospital stay.
authors.affiliation: Surgical Department, De Wever Hospital, Heerlen, The Netherlands.
authors.forename: L W
authors.initials: LW
authors.lastname: van Heurn
authors.forename: P R
authors.initials: PR
authors.lastname: Brink
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D001365:Axilla; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008197:Lymph Node Excision / Q000379:methods*; D008297:Male; D011182:Postoperative Care / Q000379:methods*; D011446:Prospective Studies; D013396:Suction / Q000379:methods*