Randomized clinical trial of no wound drains and early discharge in the treatment of women with breast cancer

Purushotham, A.D. et al. (2002) Randomized clinical trial of no wound drains and early discharge in the treatment of women with breast cancer. British Journal of Surgery, 89(3), pp. 286-292. (doi: 10.1046/j.0007-1323.2001.02031.x)

Abstract

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.<p></p> 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.<p></p> 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.<p></p> Conclusion: Wound drainage following surgery for breast cancer can be avoided, thereby facilitating early discharge with no associated increase in surgical or psychological morbidity.<p></p>

• Item Type: Articles
• Status: Published
• Refereed: Yes
• Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID: Walker, Dr Andrew and Millar, Professor Keith
• Authors: Purushotham, A.D., McLatchie, E., Young, D., George, W.D., Stallard, S., Doughty, J., Brown, D.C., Farish, C., Walker, A., Millar, K., and Murray, G.
• College/School: College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences > School of Health & Wellbeing > Robertson Centre; College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences > School of Health & Wellbeing > Mental Health and Wellbeing
• Journal Name: British Journal of Surgery
• Publisher: Wiley-Blackwell
• ISSN: 0007-1323
• ISSN (Online): 1365-2168
• Published Online: 05 November 2002