Is it necessary to use a drain after harvesting radial artery? A randomized prospective study

Radial artery (RA) is a second choice after internal thoracic artery in coronary artery bypass operations. There are some complications in forearm after harvesting RA. We have prospectively compared the necessity of inserting drain in the forearm cavity after RA harvesting to prevent such complications.

Eighty consecutive patients (younger than 65 years old, left ventricle ejection fraction >40%) undergoing coronary artery bypass operations were prospectively enrolled into study. Patients were divided into two groups by using, Table of Random Digit, for randomization. In group I patients (n = 40), we inserted drain during the forearm closing and in group II patients (n = 40), we did not use any drain. Patients in both groups evaluated for wound site complications such as hematoma, errythema, vascular complications, motor deficit, paresthesia, hand edema, and infection.

We found two hand edemas, one hematoma, five paresthesias, one infection, and three ecchymosis in Group I patients and one hematoma, four paresthesias, one infection, and four ecchymosis in Group II patients. There was no statistically significant difference between the groups in complications.

Placing of a drain into the forearm has not significant advantages but the cost and the complaints of patients could be reduced by not using the drain.