Role of intraperitoneal drains on subhepatic collection following routine uncomplicated cholecystectomy

The effect of intraperitoneal drains on the incidence and significance of subhepatic fluid collection following elective cholecystectomy was prospectively evaluated by ultrasound scanning in 200 patients. Subhepatic area was drained in 100 patients by using corrugated and vacuum drains while no drains were used in 100 patients. Subhepatic collection was detected in 12 patients (12%) in the drainage group and only 4 patients (4%) in the non-drainage group. The difference is statistically significant (p < 0.05). Two patients (2%) in the drainage group required re-exploration. Overall morbidity (30%) was higher in the drainage group than non-drainage group (18%). It is concluded that routine use of drains following elective cholecystectomy should be abandoned and they should be used only when indicated.