Evaluation of the selective use of abdomino-pelvic drains at laparoscopic myomectomy: in enhanced recovery, do drains delay discharge home?

ObjectiveTo assess whether the use of abdominal drains at laparoscopic myomectomy (LM) influences length of hospital stay. The primary outcome was to determine whether the use of intra-abdominal drains after LM was associated with prolonged hospital stay after surgery. Secondary outcomes were to identify factors that influence the use of abdomino-pelvic drains during LM.Study designRetrospective cohort study of 217 consecutive single surgeon LMs in a London university teaching hospital. Abdominal drains were used selectively after LM. Of the 217 patients, 123 (57%) had a drain left in situ at the end of the operation.ResultsThe two cohorts of patients were not significantly different in their demographics. The use of a drain was significantly associated with an increased number of fibroids (4.6 ± 3.8 vs. 2.8 ± 2.1, p < 0.0001), increased weight of fibroids (277 ± 211 g vs. 133 ± 153 g, p < 0.0001), increased surgical time (133 ± 40 min vs. 90 ± 35 min, p < 0.0001) and increased estimated blood loss (406 ± 265 ml vs. 199 ± 98 ml, p < 0.0001). There was no statistically significant difference in length of hospital stay (mean duration of admission 2.1 days ± 0.98 with drain, vs. 2.1 days ± 0.97 without a drain, p = 0.98).ConclusionWe conclude that although the use of a drain may be associated with a more complex operation, this does not delay the patient's discharge.