Postoperative suction drainage of the axilla: for how long? Prospective randomised trial.
OBJECTIVE
To define the correct time to remove the drain after axillary dissection for carcinoma of the breast.


METHODS
Prospective randomised trial.


METHODS
Two public hospitals, Israel.


METHODS
90 women who required axillary dissection for carcinoma of the breast.


METHODS
42 were randomised to have the drain removed on postoperative day 3, and 48 to keep the drain in until discharge had decreased to less than 35 ml/24 hours.


METHODS
Formation of seromas or wound infections, need to reinsert the drain, and duration of hospital stay.


RESULTS
Early removal of the axillary drain was associated with a significantly higher incidence of seromas (9/42 compared with 2/48, p = 0.02) unless the total amount of fluid drained during the first three postoperative days was less than 250 ml.


CONCLUSIONS
Drains should be removed after axillary dissection only when the daily amount of fluid discharged is low, unless the drainage during the first three days is less than 250 ml.
Kopelman
D
D
Department of Surgery B, Rambam Medical Centre, Carmel Hospital, Haifa, Israel.
Klemm
O
O
Bahous
H
H
Klein
R
R
Krausz
M
M
Hashmonai
M
M
D001365:Axilla; D001943:Breast Neoplasms / Q000601:surgery*; D004322:Drainage; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007902:Length of Stay; D008197:Lymph Node Excision; D008408:Mastectomy; D008875:Middle Aged; D011446:Prospective Studies; D013997:Time Factors