Drain vs no drain in distal gastrectomy

Abstract

Background: A wide range of outcomes are seen in literature in the use of drain after gastrectomy. However, there is little consensus on whether or not drains are beneficial in patients with gastric cancer. The purpose of this study was to evaluate drain vs no drain after gastrectomy by using evidence from available randomized control trials(RCTs). So the purpose was to find the difference between a drain and no drain groups in the incidence of wound infection, postoperative pulmonary infections, intraabdominal abscess|collections,  pain, ambulation, anastomotic leaks, bleeding complications, percutaneous intervention\reoperations mortality, and morbidity.

OBJECTIVES:  To assess the benefits and harms of routine abdominal drainage post gastrectomy for gastric cancer.

                          To look for differences in terms of postoperative complications between drain group and no drain group.

STUDY DESIGN: Prospective observational study.

PARTICIPANTS: 50 Patients with 25 patients in each group.

METHODS: All patients were evaluated in OPD with detailed history and clinical examination as per proforma. Patients have subjected to all baseline investigations. After patients were thoroughly evaluated, they were taken for surgery. During surgery, in  25 patients drain was placed and in another half, no drain was placed.

RESULTS: Patients in the no-drain group did better postoperatively in terms of pain and hospital stay.

CONCLUSION: Gastrectomy without drain is a feasible option to get viable benefits.

IMPLICATION: Drain less procedure is a comparatively better option