ABSTRACT
Hematoma is a rare but potentially dangerous complication of thyroidectomy that can lead to airway obstruction and respiratory distress.The use of drain age tube for prevention of hematoma has met with reservations. In a randomaized controlled trial, thyroidectomized patients treated as groups with and without drains were assessed and compared with regard to hematoma formation, respiratory distress and duration of admission. 48 pts without drains [51.1% male, mean age 37 yrs] and 52 pts with drains [52% male, mean age 41.5 yrs] were studied. Two patients who had drainage tubes developed hematoma and respiratory distress [p<0.005]. There was no hematoma formation and respiratory distress in the group] without drains. Duration of hospitalization in the group without drain age tube was 2.9 days [SD 1.3 days], and in the group with drain age tube 4.1 days [SD 1.5 days] with a p>0.05