Routine Placement of Drains versus Drainless in Uncomplicated Total Thyroidectomy

Background: One of the most frequent surgeries a general surgeon performs is thyroid surgery. Nearly all surgeons utilize a closed vacuum drain at the conclusion of the intervention in an effort to avoid the deadliest complication, a smothering hemorrhage, which several studies suggest may not be essential. Thus, it may be necessary to evaluate the benefit of drainless following thyroidectomy by looking at factors like length of hospital stay, post-operative pain, and wound sepsis. Objective: The aim of the current study was to evaluate the advantages of drain-free surgery following thyroidectomy, postoperative pain, wound sepsis, seroma formation andhematoma. Patients and methods: A randomized controlled clinical trial was conducted at the General Surgery Department, Zagazig University Hospital in Sharkia, Egypt. A total of 30 enlarged thyroid patients were included in the study; 15 patients underwent a thyroidectomy without drain (Group A) and 15 patients underwent thyroidectomy with a drain (Group B). Results: Regarding post-operative complications including hematoma, infection, dehiscence, and seroma, there was no statistically significant difference between the studied groups. Group B had a higher infection rate. Group A had a longer postoperative hospital stay and a higher postoperative pain score (VAS), with statistical significant differences.Conclusion: Without drains, thyroidectomy is possible, less uncomfortable, results in an earlier discharge and hence lower costs, and doesn’t raise the risk of postoperative complications.