Role of closed drain after multi-level posterior spinal surgery in adults: a randomised open-label superiority trial

To explore the role of closed suction drain in multi-level posterior spinal surgery.

We performed prospective, open-label, randomised control, superiority trial with parallel design and 1:1 allocation. A total of 161 patients undergoing posterior spinal surgery involving more than one motion segment at a dedicated spine surgery department were randomly allocated into "drain" or "no-drain" groups, based on which surgical drain was employed at the end of surgery. After excluding six cases with intraoperative dural tear, the data of 80 patients in "drain" and 75 patients in "no-drain" group were analysed. Primary outcome was total perioperative blood loss (sum of intraoperative blood loss, volume of drain if present and volume aspirated if patient developed collection in relation to surgical wound). The secondary outcomes were transfusion requirements, wound healing and complications.

Both groups were comparable with respect to baseline characteristics. Total perioperative blood loss was significantly higher in "drain" group (716 ± 312.97 ml vs 377.9 ± 295.72 ml, p < 0.0001). Number and volume of post-operative aspirations were significantly higher in "no-drain" group whereas transfusion requirements were significantly higher in "drain" group. Except for one case of superficial wound inflammation in either group, there were no complications. Subgroup analysis revealed that the results were applicable for surgeries involving "two/three" levels and "more than three" levels.

The practice of not using closed surgical drains after multi-level posterior spinal surgery reduces post-operative blood loss and transfusion requirements. But this comes with the disadvantage of increased wound soakage and need for post-operative wound aspirations. The risks of benefits of "drain" and "no drain" must be carefully weighed and an informed choice be taken. These slides can be retrieved under Electronic Supplementary Material.