Drainage versus non-drainage in primary total knee replacement: a comparative study

Goal. Compare the results in 80 patients who underwent total knee replacement, find out the advantages of using closed suction drainage and compare the results with those in the group where drainage was not used. Methods. A randomized prospective study was conducted in 2011 in group A (40 patients) without drainage and in group B (40 patients) with drainage. Total blood loss was significantly greater in patients who were drained (400 ml) compared to 200 ml in the group without drainage, although the latent amount of blood loss can not be accurately determined. Results. The statistical difference in terms of postoperative pain, ecchymosis or the frequency of cases of infection in the postoperative period in both groups was not. Conclusions. There were no clear evidence to support the use of drainage with total arthroplasty of the knee, despite this many surgeons prefer to use them.