A comparative, single-blind, randomized trial of pain associated with suction or non-suction drains after gynecologic laparoscopy

Abstract

Study objective: To estimate the difference in pain associated with the wearing or removal of suction or non-suction drains after gynecologic laparoscopic surgery.

Design: A randomized controlled trial from August 2006 through October 2007 (Canadian Task Force Classification I).

Setting: Royal Hospital for Women, Department of Endo-Gynaecology and School of Women's and Children's Health University of New South Wales.

Patients: A total of 168 women undergoing gynecologic laparoscopy requiring postoperative drainage.

Interventions: Patients were randomized to receive either a suction or non-suction drain after surgery.

Measurements and main results: Pain was assessed before, during, and after drain removal with a 4-point verbal descriptor scale and 10-cm visual analogue scale. Visual analogue scale and verbal descriptor scale scores for suction versus non-suction groups were 3 versus 3 (p=.654) and 1 versus 1 (p=.686) before removal, 9 versus 7 (p=.016) and 3 versus 2 (p=.029) during removal, and 7 versus 5 (p=.058) and 2 versus 2 (p=.122) after removal.

Conclusion: There is no significant difference in patient discomfort while wearing or after removal of suction or non-suction drains. However, suction drains are more painful to have removed.