Soft fluted silicone drains: a prospective, randomized, patient-controlled study.

Abstract

For some patients, removal of surgical drains can be the most painful part of surgery. The authors present a prospective, randomized, patient-controlled study comparing soft fluted silicone (Blake) drains with conventional rigid (Portavac) drains. After ethical committee approval, 43 patients undergoing bilateral breast reduction surgery were recruited into the study. A Blake drain was inserted on one side and a Portavac drain was inserted on the contralateral side; the patients therefore acted as their own controls. Pain scores were measured on a descriptive scale 10 minutes before, during, and 10 minutes after drain removal. Statistical analysis was carried out using the Wilcoxon signed ranks matched pairs test. The results show that Blake drains are less painful before (p = 0.05), during (p = 0.01), and after removal (p = 0.009). Of those patients who expressed a preference, 27 preferred the Blake drain and 10 preferred the Portavac drain. The authors advocate the use of a silicone fluted (Blake) drain for any wound requiring drainage, especially if large-caliber drains are indicated.