[Value of a single low-pressure drain in the postoperative care of bilateral thyroidectomies. Retrospective comparison with bilateral Redon drains].

Double "high vacuum drains" are usually recommended following bilateral thyroidectomy. A single "low vacuum drain" is an attractive alternative when the surgeon considers drainage is necessary. This retrospective study was designed to compare the postoperative outcome following the use of two types of drains. The clinical features, biochemical profile and histopathology were comparable between the two groups: group 1 (high vacuum, n = 77), and group 2 (low vacuum, n = 71). The percentage of total thyroidectomies was significantly higher in group 2 (51% versus 34%, p = 0.04) and this discrepancy was adjusted in the statistical analysis. There was no statistical difference in the outcome of group 1 versus group 2 in terms of wound infections (0% vs 0%), haematoma (0% versus 0.04%), duration and volume of drainage (2.1 versus 2.0 days, 118 versus 117 ml), and hospital stay (3.2 versus 3.2 days). A single "low vacuum drain" is therefore a safe and simple alternative to provide adequate post operative drainage following bilateral thyroidectomy.