Intraoperative and Postoperative Outcomes in Patients Undergoing Total Laparoscopic Hysterectomy for Benign Conditions With Drain Placement.

INTRODUCTION

Hysterectomy is a common gynecological procedure, with laparoscopic techniques increasingly favored for their minimally invasive nature. The use of drains during total laparoscopic hysterectomy (TLH) remains controversial, with conflicting evidence regarding their efficacy and impact on outcomes.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This retrospective study analyzed data from 415 patients who underwent TLH for benign indications at Istanbul Zeynep Kamil Women's and Children's Diseases Training and Research Hospital between 2020 and 2022. Patients were categorized into two groups based on drain application. Demographic and clinical data were collected, and perioperative and postoperative outcomes were compared between groups.

RESULTS

Of the 415 patients, 277 (66.7%) received drains during TLH. Analysis revealed that patients who received drains had significantly longer operation times, an increased length of hospital stay, higher complication rates, and a greater need for transfusion than those without drains. Although preoperative hemoglobin levels were similar between groups, postoperative levels were significantly lower in drain recipients. However, there was no significant difference in postoperative gas discharge rates between groups.

CONCLUSIONS

This study suggests drain application during TLH may predict bleeding complications and influence perioperative outcomes. Despite limitations, including their retrospective nature, the findings contribute to the ongoing debate surrounding drain use in TLH and provide valuable insights for clinical practice. Further prospective studies are warranted to validate these findings and guide evidence-based decision-making in gynecological surgery.