The evaluation of safety drain after cholecystectomy

In the literature there views are controversial concerning the use of safety drain after the so-called ideal cholecystectomy. Some authors consider it necessary, while others superfluous. Authors wish to voice their opinion based on the analysis of their own material. In the last 5 years a total of 771 gallbladder operations were performed at their clinic. Of them 472 were judged retrospectively to be ideal cholecystectomies. The safety drain applied in these cases was brought out in a separate opening in 72.7% and in the line of the wound in 27.3%. In the former case healing was accompanied by wound infection in 3.2%, while in that of the drains introduced in the line of the wound in 8.5%. The quality and quantity of discharge through the drains were studied. In the majority of cases a small amount of bloody serum was conveyed by the drain tubes, this amounting on average to 45 ml. A larger amount was only noted in a few cases: 300-450 and 800 ml of bloody serum, in 3 patients. In one case there was a more serious bile leakage associated with fever, while in another patient arterial bleeding through the drain tube was observed. In diagnosing these and judging our tasks, drainage was of great help. Based on this experience, authors consider the use of safety drain justified.