Thyroid surgery complication comparison with or without drains

Background:Despite numerous reports that it is not necessary to use drains after thyroidectomy, the drains are still used routinely. The study aim to compare thyroid surgery complications with and without drains appliance. Materials and methods: A prospective study was conducted, 66 patients who were candidate for thyroid surgery (total- subtotal thyroidectomy and thyroid lobectomy) divided into 2 groups. Each group was randomized into "drain" and "non drain" subgroup. Some indicators were investigated such as primary thyroid size, fluid collection in thyroid bed (early and late), hospital stay, change in voice, dysphagia, wound infection, hematoma, seroma, and change in plasma calcium level. Statistical analyses were performed using chi-square test and Student’s T test. Results: Duration of hospitalization in the patients without drains and received drain group were 2.3 and 3 days, respectively (p < 0.02) There was not a significant difference between two groups (p > 0.05) of fluid collection in thyroid bed and the incidence of other complications after surgery Conclusion: Routine use drains usage after thyroid surgery may not be necessary. However thyroidectomy without drains may be safe and effective method.