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Transoral Endoscopic Thyroidectomy Vestibular Approach for Thyroid Lobectomy
Published on: May 12, 2023
Is the use of a drain for thyroid surgery realistic? A prospective randomized interventional study
Ugur Deveci1, Fatih Altintoprak, Mahmut Sertan Kapakli
1General Surgery Department, School of Medicine, Maltepe University, 34843 Istanbul, Turkey.
Journal of Thyroid Research
|July 3, 2013
Summary
Routine suction drains after thyroid surgery are not necessary for most patients. Omitting drains can significantly reduce hospital stays without increasing fluid collection or complications.
Area of Science:
- Surgical Oncology
- Endocrine Surgery
- Clinical Trials
Background:
- Suction drains are commonly used in thyroid surgery to prevent hematomas and seromas.
- The efficacy of routine drainage requires further investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the effectiveness of routine drainage in thyroid surgery.
- To compare fluid collection, pain, complications, and hospital stay between drained and undrained thyroidectomy patients.
Main Methods:
- A prospective randomized trial involving 400 patients undergoing total thyroidectomy or lobectomy.
- Patients were allocated to either a non-drainage or drainage group.
- Outcomes measured included fluid collection, postoperative pain, complications, and length of hospital stay.
Main Results:
- No significant difference in thyroid bed fluid collection between the non-drainage and drainage groups (P = 0.117).
- Significantly reduced length of hospital stay in the non-drainage group (P = 0.004).
- Homogeneous groups regarding demographics, thyroid volume, procedure type, and histopathology.
Conclusions:
- Routine use of drains in thyroid surgery is not recommended based on this study.
- Drainage may be beneficial in specific cases, such as extensive dead space, retrosternal extension, or anticoagulant use.
