Table 2 Summary of end points analysed in drain versus no-drain groups
Measurement parameter | Drain group | No drain group | P-value |
|---|---|---|---|
Mean length of postoperative stay (days) | 2.3 | 2.1 | 0.477 |
Mean pain score (maximum = 10) | 2.9 | 3.0 | 0.803 |
Median postoperative analgesic requirements as per World Health Organisation pain ladder | Level II | Level II | 0.747 |
Mean fluid accumulation on ultrasound (ml) | |||
24 hours | 16.4 | 25.1 | 0.005 |
48 hours | 18.6 | 25.7 | 0.026 |
Complications (n) | |||
Symptoms hypocalcaemia | 4 | 5 | 0.444 |
Shortness of breath | 0 | 0 | - |
Wound infection | 4 | 1 | 0.154 |
Postthyroidectomy bleed | 0 | 0 | - |
Haematoma requiring drainage | 0 | 1 | - |
Other (RTI) | 0 | 1 | - |
Mean satisfaction with scar (maximum = 10) | 8.0 | 8.2 | 0.540 |
Satisfaction with overall hospital stay (maximum = 10) | 8.6 | 8.6 | 0.992 |