Abdominal vs. Perineal drainage in rectal surgery

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Abstract
The efficiency of abdominal contra perineal drainage of the pelvic cavity after abdominoperineal resection for carcinoma of the rectum was evaluated retrospectively with regard to the frequency of perineal wound sepsis and length of hospital stay. Thirty-two (45 percent) of 71 patients with perineal drainage developed perineal wound sepsis, compared with four (12 percent) of 32 patients with abdominal drainage (P < 0.01). Patients with perineal drainage stayed longer in the hospital (mean, 33 days) than those with abdominal drainage (mean, 24 days) (P < 0.004). Furthermore, postoperative recovery was more comfortable in patients with abdominal drainage. Abdominal drainage therefore is recommended after abdominoperineal resection.