Comparison of drainage techniques on prolonged serous drainage after total hip arthroplasty

The aims of this study were to determine (1) whether the duration of closed suction drainage affects the occurrence and duration of prolonged serous drainage and (2) if closed suction drains could be omitted according to the wound and/or thigh appearance after unilateral primary total hip arthroplasty. One hundred thirty-nine patients undergoing total hip arthroplasty were randomized into 3 groups: 42 patients received no drainage, 46 patients received drainage for 24 hours, and 51 patients received drainage for 48 hours. No differences with respect to occurrence and duration of prolonged serous drainage were found between the 2 groups with drains. Although no prolonged serous drainage occurred, the swelling of the thigh was significantly greater (P < .001) and the occurrence of prolonged thigh pain was significantly higher (P = .01) in the group without drainage.