Postoperative Outcomes of Post-Thyroidectomy Drains: Suction Drain Versus Rubber Drain - A Narrative Review

Abstract

Post-thyroidectomy drains facilitate the evacuation of blood and serous fluid from the surgical site, helping to prevent hematoma or seroma formation and promoting proper wound healing. Surgical drains can be classified by mechanism as passive or active. Passive drains act by capillary action, gravity, or fluctuation of intracavity pressure, whereas active drains are aided by low continuous, low intermittent, or high suction. Active drains permit reliable measurement of effluent, while rubber drains provide a simple passive route for drainage. Drains can assist in early detection of postoperative bleeding or chyle leak, but they may also act as a source of contamination, delay return of function, produce tissue reaction, or prolong healing time. This narrative review summarizes the surgical considerations, expected benefits, and complications of suction and rubber drains after thyroidectomy. Drain selection should be based on the nature of the drainage fluid, the need for accurate output measurement, the characteristics of the surgical wound, patient mobility, and careful postoperative monitoring. Every drain must be removed when it is no longer needed.