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Bilirubin level fluctuation in drain discharge after hepatectomies justifies long-term drain maintenance.

Authors :
Torzilli G
Olivari N
Del Fabbro D
Gambetti A
Leoni P
Gendarini A
Makuuchi M
Source :
Hepato-gastroenterology [Hepatogastroenterology] 2005 Jul-Aug; Vol. 52 (64), pp. 1206-10.
Publication Year :
2005

Abstract

Background/aims: Need for abdominal drains after liver resection is debated. However, unrecognized bile leak is relatively frequent: to prevent bile collection we adopted the use of long-term drains. The aim of this study was to validate this policy checking the bilirubin concentration in the drain discharge and serum along the postoperative course.<br />Methodology: A prospective cohort study enrolling 58 consecutive patients with liver tumors was carried out. All patients underwent liver resection and received abdominal drains which were maintained for at least 7 days postoperatively. The bilirubin concentration in serum and drain discharge was sampled on the 3rd, 5th and 7th postoperative days.<br />Results: No postoperative mortality and major morbidity were observed. The bilirubin level in drain discharge was higher on the 5th postoperative day than on the 3rd and 7th postoperative days: difference between the 3rd and 5th postoperative days was significant. No differences were observed among serum bilirubin levels on 3rd, 5th and 7th postoperative days.<br />Conclusions: The bilirubin level in drain discharge increases late in the postoperative course. Therefore, bile leakage should be evaluated between the 5th and 7th postoperative days. The use of long-term drains helps protect against undiscovered collections and thus impacts postoperative course.

Details

Language :
English
ISSN :
0172-6390
Volume :
52
Issue :
64
Database :
MEDLINE
Journal :
Hepato-gastroenterology
Publication Type :
Academic Journal
Accession number :
16001662