Open AccessRandomized clinical trial of no wound drains and early discharge in the treatment of women with breast cancer
Author(s) -
Purushotham A. D.,
McLatchie E.,
Young D.,
George W. D.,
Stallard S.,
Doughty J.,
Brown D. C.,
Farish C.,
Walker A.,
Millar K.,
Murray G.
Publication year - 2002
Publication title -
british journal of surgery
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 2.202
H-Index - 201
eISSN - 1365-2168
pISSN - 0007-1323
DOI - 10.1046/j.0007-1323.2001.02031.x
Subject(s) - medicine , breast cancer , surgery , randomized controlled trial , suction , clinical trial , surgical wound , cancer , pathology , mechanical engineering , engineering
Background: Women undergoing surgery for primary breast cancer routinely have suction drains inserted deep to the wounds, which are removed approximately 6–8 days after operation, requiring a period of stay of that duration in hospital. The aim of this study was to perform a prospective randomized clinical trial to evaluate a new surgical technique of suturing flaps without wound drainage, combined with early discharge, in women undergoing surgery for breast cancer. Methods: A total of 375 patients undergoing surgery for breast cancer were randomized to conventional surgery or suturing of flaps with no drain. The main outcome measures were length of hospital stay, surgical morbidity, psychological morbidity and health economics. Results: Suturing of flaps and avoiding wound drainage in women undergoing surgery for breast cancer resulted in a significantly shorter hospital stay. Adopting this surgical technique with early discharge did not lead to any difference in surgical or psychological morbidity. Health economic benefits to the National Health Service resulted from saved bed days with no impact on community costs. Conclusion: Wound drainage following surgery for breast cancer can be avoided, thereby facilitating early discharge with no associated increase in surgical or psychological morbidity. © 2002 British Journal of Surgery Society Ltd