Autologous Drains in Arthroplasty

The use of wound drains in arthroplasty patients is controversial. This study was designed to assess the use of retransfusion drains in arthroplasty patients and prove the null hypothesis that there is no difference in postoperative hemoglobin levels or transfusion with their use. Eighty patients undergoing hip and knee arthroplasty were prospectively randomized to removal of the drain at 6 or 24 hours postoperatively, to assess the most efficient and beneficial use of such drains. There was no difference in hemoglobin drop, allogenic transfusion rates, hospital stay, complications, and rehabilitation. Wound healing appeared to be better in the 6-hour group for hip and knee patients. This study concludes that retransfusion drains offer no advantage in the arthroplasty patients' care.