Role of drainage of the thyroid bed

Abstract

Background: Although suction drains are commonly used after thyroidectomy to avoid hematoma, there is still controversy about drainage procedures. The aim of this study was to evaluate the suction or open drains as risk factors for delayed recurrent nerve palsy and postoperative bleeding. Patients and methods: A retrospective analysis of 280 thyroidectomy cases operated on at Ondokuz Mayis University Medical Faculty, Department of Surgery, between 2001 and 2009, was conducted with regard to the early complications of delayed recurrent nerve palsy and postoperative bleeding with the use of suction drain (group A) and Penrose drain (group B). Results: Postoperative bleeding occured in seven cases (3.04%), and delayed recurrent nerve palsy in five cases (2.17%) in group A. No postoperative bleeding and hematoma, no delayed recurrent nerve palsy occured in group B. Five of the seven bleeding developed within the first 180 minutes. Conclusion: Although suction drainage is commonly considered more effective for monitoring hemorrhage and preventing a hematoma, it may be the cause of delayed recurrent nerve palsy and postoperative bleeding. © Jaypee Brothers Medical Publishers (P) Ltd.