The role of routine abdominal drainage in non-laparoscopic cholecystectomy

Abstract EN

Background : Drains are used after laparoscopic cholecystectomy to prevent abdominal collections and reduce postoperative pain and nausea / vomiting.

But there is much controversy regarding the use of drain in laparoscopic cholecystectomy and it is benefits.

Objective : This study was designed to evaluate the role of drain in non-complicated laparoscopic cholecystectomy through a randomized, double-blind comparative study.

Materials and Methods : Eighty patients who underwent laparoscopic cholecystectomy were enrolled in this prospective randomized study.

A tube drain was retained below the liver bed in each of 40 patients (group A), and no drain was retained in the remaining 40 patients (group B).

Results : There was no mortality in either group and no statistically significant difference in postoperative pain, nausea and vomiting, wound infection or abdominal collection between the two groups.

However, hospital stay was longer for the drain group than the group without drain and it is apparant that the use of drain can delays hospital discharge.

Conclusion : Routine use of a drain in non-complicated laparoscopic cholecystectomy has nothing to offer; in contrast, it is associated with longer hospital stay.