To compare different drainage methods after right hepatectomy.

From April 2017 to February 2018, 90 patients who underwent right hepatectomy at Zhongshan Hospital of Fudan University were prospectively randomized to the latex tube group (right subphrenic drain with a latex tube connecting to a collection bag, n=30), the silicone tube group (right subphrenic drain with a silicone tube connecting to a closed-suction, n=30) or the combination group (right subphrenic drain with a latex tub, combined with a silicone tube, n=30). The amount of fluid collection after the operation, complications after surgery, recovery of liver function, and length of hospital stay after operation were compared.

There were no significant differences in the clinicopathological features among the 3 groups, including gender, age, cirrhosis status, extent of hepatectomy, and blood loss (P>0.05). There were no significant differences among the three groups on the incidences of postoperative complications [the latex tube group, 20.0% (6/30); the silicone tube group, 23.3% (7/30); the combination group, 16.7% (5/30); P>0.05]. Ultrasonography showed significantly lower rates of subphrenic collection in the combination group compared with the latex tube group and the silicone tube group [16.7% (5/30) vs. 63.3% (19/30) vs. 53.3% (16/30); P<0.05]. The rates of postoperative fever, serum total bilirubin, ALT and postoperative hospital stay were similar among the three groups (P>0.05).

Drainage using the combination of a latex tube connecting to a collection bag and a silicone tube connecting to closed-suction after right hepatectomy significantly reduced postoperatively subphrenic collection and prevented infection of the collection. However, the treatment strategy did not delay liver function recovery, prolong hospital stay nor increase post-operative infection rate.

Hepatectomy; Drainage; Postoperative complication