@article{JSS4178,
author = {Owoicho Adogwa and Syed I. Khalid and Aladine A. Elsamadicy and Victoria D. Voung and Daniel T. Lilly and Shyam A. Desai and Amanda R. Sergesketter and Joseph Cheng and Isaac O. Karikari},
title = {The use of subfascial drains after multi-level anterior cervical discectomy and fusion: does the data support its use?},
journal = {Journal of Spine Surgery},
volume = {4},
number = {2},
year = {2018},
keywords = {},
abstract = {Background: Subfascial drains are routinely used after multi-level anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF) procedures despite little evidence to support their use. Proponents of drain use argue that drain placement reduces the incidence of post-operative hematomas and surgical site infections (SSI). The aim of this study is to determine whether the use of subfascial drains after multi-level ACDFs are associated with a decreased incidence of hematomas and SSIs.
Methods: This is a retrospective study of 321 consecutive adult patients (18 years and older) with degenerative cervical stenosis that undergoing an index multi-level ACDF procedure. Only patients undergoing multilevel ACDF were included in the study. Patients were separated into one of two groups depending whether a subfascial drain was placed during surgery. The decision to place a drain was based on surgeon preference. Baseline characteristics, operative details, as well as rates of hematoma formation and SSIs were gathered by direct medical record review.
Results: Of the 321 patients enrolled in the study, 58 (18%) patients had subfascial drains placed at the time of surgery. Baseline demographics and co-morbidities were similar between both cohorts; however, on average, patients in the “Drain Use” cohort were older when compared to those in the “No Drain” cohort (64 vs. 56 years old, P},
issn = {2414-4630}, url = {https://jss.amegroups.org/article/view/4178}
}