European Journal of Cardiovascular Medicine

Objective: The role of drains in uncomplicated acute cholecystitis is a topic of debate. In this study, we aimed to prospectively evaluate the benefits and complications of prophylactic drains in both open and laparoscopic cholecystectomy following a case of uncomplicated acute cholecystitis. Materials and Methods: A total of 100 cases, under unit 1 of the department of Surgery at Nimra Institute of Medical Sciences over a period of 12 months were observed in this study. Demographic details of the patients were compared. Patients were followed for up to 1 week after the surgery to assess different complaints such as nausea/vomiting, postoperative pain, shoulder tip pain, rise in temperature, mean duration of operation and the amount of fluid collected in the drain bag. Incidence of surgical site infections were also compared. The sample consisted of both open and laparoscopic cholecystectomy cases. Results: Drains were placed in 50 patients. The overall complication rate was higher in the group of patients who underwent open cholecystectomy followed by a placement of prophylactic drain. Pain score on the NRS scale was highest for the group of patients who underwent open cholecystectomy followed by placement of a prophylactic drain. There was more incidence of surgical site infection in the drain group than in the no drain group. The mean duration of drain placement was 2.76 ±0.77 following open cholecystectomy and 1.84 ±0.37 following laparoscopic cholecystectomy. The mean duration of hospital stay was higher in the drain group than in the no drain  group. Patients in no drain group who underwent laparoscopic cholecystectomy complained of shoulder tip pain and nausea/vomiting more in comparison to other groups. Conclusion: There is no role of prophylactic drains following cholecystectomy in cases of uncomplicated acute cholecystitis in draining of abdominal fluids. Abdominal drains lead to increased hospital stay and the incidence of surgical site infections. Thus, routine use of abdominal drains is not advised