D6. Accidental Drain Dislodgement Is Associated With Post-operative Complications after Abdominal Contouring Surgery

PURPOSE: After abdominal contouring surgery, drains often remain in place until output falls below 30 cc/day; however, the impact of drains accidentally falling out is unknown. This study explores the relationship between accidental drain dislodgement and complications after abdominal contouring surgeries. METHODS: A retrospective analysis of patients who underwent abdominal contouring surgery during an 8-year period was conducted. Complication severity was classified according to the Clavien-Dindo system. Univariate and multivariate logistical regressions were used to elucidate the relationship between accidental drain dislodgement and complications. RESULTS: Of 499 patients, 76 (15.2%) had drains accidentally fall out 19.25±11.16 days after surgery. Among the 70 (78.7%) drains where output prior to dislodgement was documented, 36 (51.4%) had drain output greater than 30 cc/day. Patients whose drain(s) fell out prior to output falling below 30 cc/day had increased rates of all complications (83.9% versus 51.9%, OR=4.81, P<0.01), Clavien-Dindo categories 2-4 complications (61.3% versus 33.1%, OR=3.19, P<0.01), infection (35.5% versus 13.5%, OR=3.54, P<0.01), and seroma (45.2% versus 9.4%, OR=7.94, P<0.0001). After controlling for age, tobacco use, diabetes, BMI, combined surgery, and resection mass, these findings remained significant. CONCLUSION: Accidental drain dislodgement is associated with significantly increased risk of complications, including seroma and infection. This study underscores the importance of drain care education and the need to investigate methods for enhanced drain security, including taping and stitching techniques.