Related Experiment Videos
An audit of breast reduction without drains
J Arrowsmith1, E Eltigani, K Krarup
1Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Leicester Royal Infirmary, Leicester, UK.
British Journal of Plastic Surgery
|February 5, 2000
Summary
This study found that omitting surgical drains in breast reduction surgery did not negatively impact patient recovery. Complication rates were comparable to procedures that do use drains, suggesting drainless surgery is a safe alternative.
Area of Science:
- Plastic Surgery
- Surgical Outcomes
Background:
- Breast reduction surgery aims to alleviate symptoms associated with macromastia.
- The use of surgical drains is a common practice to manage fluid accumulation post-operatively.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the impact of omitting surgical drains on the outcomes of breast reduction procedures.
- To compare complication rates in drainless versus drained breast reduction surgery.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective audit of 50 consecutive patients undergoing breast reduction without drains.
- Analysis of postoperative complications, including early (within 30 days) and late events.
Main Results:
- Two early complications occurred: one seroma and one minor wound dehiscence, both managed outpatient.
- One late complication of breast abscess was noted 6 weeks postoperatively.
- Overall complication rates were comparable to published data for breast reduction with drains.
Conclusions:
- Absence of surgical drains in breast reduction surgery does not appear to adversely affect postoperative recovery.
- Drainless breast reduction is a viable option with comparable safety to traditional methods.
- Further research may explore patient-reported outcomes and long-term results.