Are Drains Really Required in Thyroid Surgery

Background: Traditional use of drain in thyroid surgeries was to avoid any possible hematoma. The aim of the present study was to prospectively determine whether the use of the drain in thyroid surgery really helps the patient or it just adds morbidity to patients’ post operative recovery phase. Patients & Methods: 132 patients who underwent total thyroidectomy without drain placement for benign conditions of thyroid were evaluated for outcome in terms of in hospital stay, wound infection, hematoma formation and re-exploration owing to untoward bleed. The study was conducted for 42 months with one month followup period. Results were compared with the control group from hospital records during the same study period. Results: Hematoma developed in 4 (3%) patients, infection in 2 (1.5%), hypocalcemia in 28 (21%) and recurrent laryngeal nerve (RLN) palsy 01(.75%) patients. There was no re-exploration for hematoma nor any in hospital mortality. In hospital stay was 1.8 days on average. Conclusion: Use of drain in thyroid surgery has no added benefit in terms of patient outcome rather it may increase the cost of treatment, patient’s morbidity and hospital stay. Key Words: Total Thyroidectomy, Suction drain, no drainage, lobectomy, postoperative bleeding.