Objectives: A prospective study was conducted in 1996-1997 in 100 patients who underwent thyroid surgery and who were randomly assigned to receive drainage or not. No statistical difference in complication rate was observed. The aim of the present retrospective study was to assess the consequences of this attitude in patients undergoing surgery since that time and to determine the number of postoperative complications, length of hospital stay, and type of thyroidectomy where cervical drains still appear to be indicated.
Patients and methods: Total or partial thyroid surgery was performed in 264 patients between June 1997 and October 2000. Neck dissection was associated with 24 patients.
Results: Cervical drains were used in 29 patients (10.9%). Postoperative complications were comparable to those commonly reported.
Conclusion: Except for neck dissection and mediastinal extension, thyroidectomy can be safely performed without drainage. This attitude reduces the overall hospital stay.