title: Prospective randomized trial of a closed-suction drain versus a Penrose drain after a colectomy.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  Prospective studies in the gastroenterological surgery literature have shown fewer wound related complications with a closed-suction drainage than with an open passive drainage. This study compared the SSI and cost of closed-suction drainage and open passive drainage in a randomized trial.
  
  
  METHODS
  This study involved 112 patients undergoing colectomy from December, 2003 through April, 2007. A closed-suction or an open (Penrose) drainage was used based on the surgeon's preference. The cost and the incidence of complications including SSI was compared in the two drain types.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The SSI rate was 13/112 cases 11.6%, but there was no significant difference between the drain groups. In addition, 18 laparoscopic surgery cases did not show any wound infection or drain infections. The closed-suction drain was not expensive regarding personnel expenses and the cost of changing the dressings.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  No statistically significant postoperative differences were observed between a closed-suction drain or an open drain after a colectomy. However, a closed-suction drain management is useful for the reduction of a cost, labor saving, and the decrease of medical waste.
authors.affiliation: Department of Gastroenterological Surgery, Fukuoka University School of Medicine, 7-45-1, Nanakuma, Jonan-ku, Fukuoka 814-0180, Japan. tetsu-s@fukuoka-u.ac.jp
authors.forename: Tetsuo
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Shinohara
authors.forename: Yuichi
authors.initials: Y
authors.lastname: Yamashita
authors.forename: Masayasu
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Naito
authors.forename: Kenji
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Maki
authors.forename: Tatsuya
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Hashimoto
authors.forename: Katsuichi
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Matsuo
authors.forename: Yasushi
authors.initials: Y
authors.lastname: Yamauchi
authors.forename: Seiichiro
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Hoshino
authors.forename: Shinnosuke
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Tanaka
authors.forename: Tomoaki
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Noritomi
authors.forename: Hideo
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Shimura
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D003082:Colectomy / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000379:methods*; D004322:Drainage / Q000379:methods*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011446:Prospective Studies; D013396:Suction; D013530:Surgical Wound Infection / Q000453:epidemiology