Our Summary

The researchers conducted a study to see whether using two drains rather than one during a particular type of breast cancer surgery (modified radical mastectomy) would result in less fluid build-up, shorter hospital stays, fewer infections at the surgical site, less post-surgery pain, less bleeding, and less tissue death. The study took place from April 2015 to July 2018 and involved 196 women, half of whom had a single drain and half of whom had two drains.

The researchers found that the number of drains didn’t make a significant difference in terms of blood loss, fluid build-up, surgery duration, or other factors. However, the women who had the single drain experienced less pain after surgery. The study also found that using a single drain was associated with a lower risk of significant postoperative pain and overall complications.

Based on these findings, the researchers recommend using a single drain during this type of surgery as it reduces postoperative discomfort and pain while offering similar patient outcomes to using two drains.

FAQs

  1. What was the aim of the study conducted on the use of drains during modified radical mastectomy?
  2. What were the findings of the study regarding the use of single drain vs. two drains in terms of postoperative pain and complications?
  3. Based on the study’s findings, what is the recommended number of drains to use during a modified radical mastectomy?

Doctor’s Tip

One helpful tip a doctor might tell a patient about radical mastectomy is to discuss with their healthcare provider the option of using a single drain rather than two drains during surgery, as it may result in less postoperative pain and discomfort.

Suitable For

Patients who are typically recommended radical mastectomy are those with larger or more aggressive breast tumors, those with multiple tumors in different areas of the breast, those with tumors that are close to the chest wall or skin, and those with a high risk of breast cancer recurrence. These patients may benefit from the more extensive removal of tissue and lymph nodes that is characteristic of a radical mastectomy.

Timeline

  • Before radical mastectomy: The patient undergoes pre-operative consultations, imaging tests, and discussions with their medical team about the surgery. They may also undergo chemotherapy or radiation therapy before the surgery to shrink the tumor.

  • Day of surgery: The patient arrives at the hospital, undergoes anesthesia, and the surgeon performs the radical mastectomy, removing the entire breast tissue, lymph nodes, and sometimes the chest wall muscles.

  • After surgery: The patient wakes up in the recovery room and may stay in the hospital for a few days to monitor for complications. They will have drains inserted to remove excess fluid from the surgical site and will be given pain medication to manage discomfort. Physical therapy may be recommended to regain strength and mobility in the arm on the affected side.

  • Recovery: The patient will need to follow post-operative care instructions, including wound care, pain management, and monitoring for signs of infection. They may also undergo additional treatments such as chemotherapy or radiation therapy to reduce the risk of cancer recurrence.

  • Follow-up: The patient will have regular follow-up appointments with their medical team to monitor their recovery and overall health. They may also undergo reconstructive surgery to restore the appearance of the breast after healing from the mastectomy.

What to Ask Your Doctor

  1. What are the potential risks and benefits of having a single drain versus two drains during a radical mastectomy surgery?
  2. How will having a single drain affect my postoperative pain management and recovery process compared to having two drains?
  3. Will using a single drain increase the risk of fluid build-up, infections, or other complications after surgery?
  4. Are there any specific factors about my individual case that may make one drain more suitable for me than two drains?
  5. How will the decision to use a single drain versus two drains impact my hospital stay and overall recovery time?
  6. Are there any alternative surgical techniques or methods that may be considered in place of a radical mastectomy with drains?
  7. Can you provide more information on the study that compared single drain versus two drains during radical mastectomy surgery and how the results may apply to my specific situation?

Reference

Authors: Khan S, Khan M, Wasim A. Journal: Turk J Surg. 2023 Jun 19;39(2):145-152. doi: 10.47717/turkjsurg.2023.5666. eCollection 2023 Jun. PMID: 38026913