Single versus Double Suction Drain After Modified Radical Mastectomy: A Prospective Comparative Study from a Tertiary Care Centre in Northern India
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.55489/njmr.160320261361Keywords:
Breast Neoplasms, Modified Radical Mastectomy, Seroma, Wound Drainage, Postoperative ComplicationsAbstract
Background: Seroma formation remains one of the most common complications following modified radical mastectomy (MRM) for breast cancer. Closed suction drainage is routinely used to reduce postoperative fluid accumulation; however, the optimal number of drains required remains a subject of debate. The objective was to compare postoperative outcomes associated with single versus double suction drainage following modified radical mastectomy.
Methods: The prospective comparative study was conducted in the Department of General Surgery at a tertiary care hospital between July 2024 and December 2025. Seventy female patients undergoing elective MRM for histopathologically confirmed breast carcinoma were enrolled and allocated into either a single-drain group (n=35) or a double-drain group (n=35). Primary outcomes included total drain output, duration of drainage, and incidence of postoperative seroma formation. Secondary outcomes included seroma volume, aspiration requirements, and postoperative complications during a four-week follow-up period.
Results: The mean total drain output was 409.43±71.88 ml in the single-drain group and 438.43 ± 69.16 ml in the double-drain group (p=0.060). The mean duration until drain removal was comparable between groups (8.31 ± 0.90 vs. 8.37 ± 0.94 days; p=0.699). Seroma formation occurred in 11.4% of patients in the single-drain group and 8.6% in the double-drain group (p=0.797). No statistically significant differences were observed in seroma volume, aspiration requirements, or other postoperative complications during follow-up.
Conclusion: Single suction drainage following modified radical mastectomy demonstrated postoperative outcomes comparable to those achieved with double suction drainage. The findings suggest that a single-drain approach may serve as a safe and effective alternative in appropriately selected patients.
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Copyright (c) 2026 Kanwarpal Singh, Gopal Swaroop Bhargava, Seema Mittal, Prabhjot Kaur Gill
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