TP7.2.10 The Un-abating Debate of using Drains following Colorectal Anastomosis: a systematic review

Aims To study whether routine use of drains in colorectal surgery/anastomosis help reduce postoperative complications and whether has a selective role in high risk patients. Methods A systematic search of electronic database performed using PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane Central database. Clinical literature from 1988 to 2018 was reviewed including randomized, non-randomized controlled studies, meta-analysis and systematic reviews for routine use of drain versus no usage of drain at index surgery & compared for clinical benefits. Terms used for search were ‘colorectal’, ‘rectal’, ‘colonic’ surgery/anastomosis’ and drain. Main outcome: anastomotic leak whilst secondary outcome were to study collections, re-surgical intervention, wound infection, DVT/PE, chest complications & mortality. Case reports and small cohort studies (<25 patients) were excluded. Results 2243 patients were included from 14 RCTs, 2 meta-analysis and 3 systematic reviews. 1178 patients in the drain group and 1065 patients in the no drain group. Using Chi square test, data analysis demonstrated no statistically significant differences between the two groups (drains Versus no drains) for anastomotic leakage, P >0.35; re-operation, P >0.41, wound infection, P >0.41; DVT/PE, P > 1.1; chest complications, P > 0.51 and mortality, P >0.48. Conclusions Routine use of drains in colorectal surgery/anastomosis does not confer significant benefit in reducing postoperative complications. However, selective use of drains in the high risk patients for anastomotic leak may have a role but warrants more studies.