Endoscopic release of retained Penrose drains: a simple solution for an old problem.

The Penrose drain internally tethered by a fascial suture is a surgical complication with medical and legal implications. Correction of this problem usually has required open reexploration. A technique of endoscopic release of such a drain through the drain tract is described. Since this procedure can be performed with the patient under local anesthesia, additional hospitalization and patient discomfort are minimized. This technique has broad applicability for the management of this wound complication following most abdominal explorations requiring drain placement for urological, gynecological or general surgical indications.