A Comparative Study Between Drain Placement and No Drain Placement in Benign Breast Surgeries

Abstract

Background:
Drain placement following benign breast surgery has traditionally been practiced to reduce postoperative fluid accumulation and seroma formation. However, routine drain usage may increase postoperative discomfort, prolong hospital stay, and affect patient satisfaction. This study aimed to compare postoperative outcomes between patients managed with drains and those without drains following benign breast surgeries.
Methods
A prospective comparative study was conducted in the Department of General Surgery at a tertiary care hospital. A total of 26 patients undergoing benign breast surgeries were included and divided into two groups: drain placement group (n = 13) and no-drain group (n = 13). Parameters analyzed included postoperative pain, seroma formation, wound infection, duration of hospital stay, and patient satisfaction. Statistical analysis was performed using chi-square test and independent t-test where appropriate, with p <0.05 considered statistically significant.
Results
The mean postoperative pain score was significantly higher in the drain group (5.8 ± 1.1) compared to the no-drain group (3.9 ± 0.9) with p = 0.002. Seroma formation occurred in 2 patients (15.4%) in the drain group and 4 patients (30.8%) in the no-drain group, which was not statistically significant (p = 0.36). Mean hospital stay was significantly longer in the drain group (3.2 ± 0.8 days) compared to the no-drain group (1.8 ± 0.6 days), with p = 0.001. Wound infection rates were similar in both groups.
Conclusion
Routine drain placement in uncomplicated benign breast surgeries may not be necessary. Avoiding drains can reduce postoperative pain and hospital stay while maintaining acceptable complication rates.