Protein and electrolyte content of retroperitoneal suction drainage after radical hysterectomy with pelvic lymphadenectomy

Radical hysterectomy for treatment of cervical cancer: a prospective study of two methods of closed-suction drainage

Two closed-suction drainage methods were prospectively compared in 96 patients after radical hysterectomy with pelvic lymphadenectomy in stage IB cervical cancer. In group 1 (n = 49) two pelvic sidewall drains and a vaginal drain were used, and in group 2 (n = 47) only the vaginal drain was used. The groups were similar for mean age, preoperative weight, hemoglobin and serum albumin level, operating time, operative blood loss, and blood transfusions. The febrile morbidity rates and the operative site infection rates were similar in the two groups. Ninety vaginal drains were removed by day 3. By day 6 55% of patients in group 1 had at least one sidewall drain, with a mean drainage of 150 ml/day. The median postoperative stay was similar in both groups. A pelvic lymphocyst developed in one patient in each group. The single vaginal closed-suction drain is safe, efficient, more acceptable to patients, and more cost-effective.

Closed suction pelvic drainage after radical pelvic surgical procedures

Thirty-four women had short-term, low-pressure, closed suction pelvic drainage after radical gynecologic surgical procedures. Mean collected fluid losses were significantly higher after radical hysterectomy (25.3 ml/kg) when compared with abdominal hysterectomy (10.7 ml/kg) and lymphadenectomy. There was no correlation between the volume of pelvic drainage and patient's age, patient's weight, duration of operation, or amount of blood loss. The fluid contents resembled serum and were rarely culture positive. Short-term (5-day) drainage was not associated with lymphocysts.