Does the suction drain diameter matter? Bleeding analysis after total knee replacement comparing different suction drain gauges

Abstract

ObjectivesTo evaluate bleeding and the estimated blood loss in patients who underwent total knee replacement (TKR) with different closed suction drains (3.2-mm and 4.8-mm gauge). MethodsThis was a randomized controlled trial with 22 patients who underwent TKR and were divided into two groups: Group I, with 11 patients in whom the 3.2-mm suction drain was used, and Group II, with 11 patients in whom the 4.8-mm suction drain was used. The hematocrit was measured after 24, 48 and 72h after surgery in order to calculate the estimated blood loss. The drained volume was measured 3, 6, 12, 24, and 48h after TKR, and thereafter both groups were compared. ResultsRegarding the hematocrit, there were no differences between groups in measured periods (24, 48, and 72h after surgery). The total bleeding measured at the suction drains within 48h was higher in Group II, with a statistically significant difference (p=0.005); in the first 24h, there was major bleeding in Group II (mean 893mL), with a significant difference (p=0.004). Between 24 and 48h, there was no statistically significant difference in both groups (p=0.710). The total estimated bleeding was higher in Group I, with mean of 463mL, versus 409mL in Group II, with no statistical significance (p=0.394). ConclusionsBleeding was higher in the group that used the 4.8mm gauge suction drain, with no differences in hematocrit and estimated blood loss.