Impact of Topical Epinephrine with Xylocaine on Drainage After Axillary Lymph Node Dissection: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

Abstract

We evaluated the impact of topical epinephrine with xylocaine on drainage after axillary lymph node dissection. Fifty-two women were randomized into two groups, epinephrine with xylocaine drainage (ED) and conventional drainage group (CD). The amount of drainage, duration of drainage catheter, incidence of seroma formation and wound infection were noted. The mean total drainage volume was less in ED group as compared to CD group (195 ml vs. 353 ml; p = .002). Drainage catheter was removed earlier in ED group as compared to CD group (5.07 + / - 0.99 days vs. 6.65 + / - 1.07 days; p = 0.0001). The incidence of seroma and wound infection was similar in two groups. Topical epinephrine with xylocaine after axillary lymph node dissection results in significantly decreased drainage volume and duration of drainage.