Radical hysterectomy for treatment of cervical cancer: A prospective study of two methods of closed-suction drainage

Two closed-suction drainage methods were prospectively compared in 96 patients after radical hysterectomy with pelvic lymphadenectomy in stage IB cervical cancer. In group 1 (n = 49) two pelvic sidewall drains and a vaginal drain were used, and in group 2 (n = 47) only the vaginal drain was used. The groups were similar for mean age, preoperative weight, hemoglobin and serum albumin level, operating time, operative blood loss, and blood transfusions. The febrile morbidity rates and the operative site infection rates were similar in the two groups. Ninety vaginal drains were removed by day 3. By day 6 55% of patients in group 1 had at least one sidewall drain, with a mean drainage of 150 ml/day. The median postoperative stay was similar in both groups. A pelvic Iymphocyst developed in one patient in each group. The single vaginal closed-suction drain is safe, efficient, more acceptable to patients, and more cost-effective. (AM J OasTET GVNECOL 1992;166:533-7.)