A prospective randomized trial of the management of suction drains following breast cancer surgery with axillary clearance

A prospective randomized trial was conducted to determine the safety of early suction drain removal following breast cancer surgery with axillary clearance. Patients were randomized to either axillary drain removal on day 5 or when drainage became minimal (< 30 ml/day). No significant difference was demonstrated between the two groups with regard to post-operative seroma formation, infection rate, lymphoedema or restriction of shoulder movement. Analysis of drainage volumes revealed that it is impossible to predict which patients are likely to develop subsequent seromas. A patient questionnaire demonstrated a strong preference for early drain removal. It is concluded that it is safe and acceptable to remove axillary drain on the fifth post-operative day in patients undergoing breast cancer surgery with axillary clearance.