Comparison of drain versus no drain thyroidectomy: randomized prospective clinical trial.
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate the use of surgical drains in thyroid surgery.


METHODS
Randomized, prospective, clinical trial.


METHODS
Patients were randomized into drain and no drain groups by a blinded observer. Inclusion criteria included all patients presenting for total, hemi-, or completion thyroidectomies. Those with massive goitres or nodules greater than 6 cm were excluded. Fifty-five patients were enrolled in the study. Complications, length of hospital stay, and overall cost were evaluated.


RESULTS
In the no drain group, there was a 1.12-day reduction in hospital stay (p < .01), with no increase in postoperative complications. This translated into a cost savings of $2177 per patient.


CONCLUSIONS
Thyroid surgery without the use of a drain decreases the length of hospital stay, with no increase in patient morbidity. The overall cost is significantly reduced.
Morrissey
Andrew T
AT
Division of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta.
Chau
Jason
J
Yunker
Warren K
WK
Mechor
Brad
B
Seikaly
Hadi
H
Harris
Jeffrey R
JR
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D004322:Drainage; D005260:Female; D006042:Goiter / Q000601:surgery; D006801:Humans; D007902:Length of Stay; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011446:Prospective Studies; D013964:Thyroid Neoplasms / Q000601:surgery; D013965:Thyroidectomy / Q000191:economics / Q000379:methods*