Abstract
Abstract Aims To study whether routine use of drains in colorectal surgery/anastomosis help reduce postoperative complications and whether has a selective role in high risk patients. Methods A systematic search of electronic database performed using PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane Central database. Clinical literature from 1988 to 2018 was reviewed including randomized, non-randomized controlled studies, meta-analysis and systematic reviews for routine use of drain versus no usage of drain at index surgery & compared for clinical benefits. Terms used for search were ‘colorectal’, ‘rectal’, ‘colonic’ surgery/anastomosis’ and drain. Main outcome: anastomotic leak whilst secondary outcome were to study collections, re-surgical intervention, wound infection, DVT/PE, chest complications & mortality. Case reports and small cohort studies (<25 patients) were excluded. Results 2243 patients were included from 14 RCTs, 2 meta-analysis and 3 systematic reviews. 1178 patients in the drain group and 1065 patients in the no drain group. Using Chi square test, data analysis demonstrated no statistically significant differences between the two groups (drains Versus no drains) for anastomotic leakage, P >0.35; re-operation, P >0.41, wound infection, P >0.41; DVT/PE, P > 1.1; chest complications, P > 0.51 and mortality, P >0.48. Conclusions Routine use of drains in colorectal surgery/anastomosis does not confer significant benefit in reducing postoperative complications. However, selective use of drains in the high risk patients for anastomotic leak may have a role but warrants more studies.
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.