Thyroidectomy with and without drains

Drainage after thyroid surgery has been widely used to prevent life-threatening complications. However, it is well known that drains do not always prevent haematoma formation. In this retrospective study, we reviewed our experience with 1057 thyroidectomies with and without drains in order to assess this issue. Between 1983 and 1993, 520 patients were closed with drains and 537 patients without drains after thyroid surgery. The indications for drainage of the selective period included wet operative field and large areas of dead space at the conclusion of the operation. Reoperation for bleeding was done in twelve patients in the drainage group and two patients in the non-drainage group (p < 0.05). Wound infection was seen in seven patients in the drainage group and none in the no-drainage group (p < 0.05). This study suggests that routine drainage after thyroid surgery is not necessary and a selective policy can be applied safely.