Efficacy and safety of two post-operative drains: results of a prospectively randomized clinical study in breast cancer patients after breast conserving surgery.

Objective: To compare the efficacy and safety of two post-operative drains in breast cancer patients after breast conserving surgery.
Methods: This was a prospectively randomized comparative study of two drains investigated in breast cancer patients after breast conserving therapy. The Redon drain ends in a tip with 28 double perforations while the Quadrain drain features 4 flexible flaps of about 0.15 m length. The drains cost 0.28 € and 3.54 €, respectively. Primary target parameter was the duration of the drains staying in the surgical site. Secondary target parameters were pain post-surgery, seroma volume, final cosmetic result and surgical site infections.
Results: A total of 88 patients were randomized, 47 and 41 received the Redon drain and the Quadrain drain, respectively. The mean duration of the drains staying in the surgical site was not different between the Redon and the Quadrain drain, 42.6 h (± 25.8 h) and 50.1 h (± 28.5 h), respectively (p = 0.1959). The post-operative pain score, seroma size, cosmetic result and surgical site infections were not different for both systems.
Conclusion: The Redon drain and the new Quadrain drain were not significantly different with respect to duration in the surgical site, post-operative pain, seroma volume and cosmetic result.