Pilot Study Comparing Removal Versus Maintenance of Drainage Tube in Gastric Cancer Patients with High Postoperative Drainage After Gastrectomy

What this Trial Is About

Researchers are comparing the rates of intra-abdominal complications in patients who have undergone gastrectomy for gastric adenocarcinoma, focusing on those with high postoperative drainage (300-500 ml/day) on the fourth day after surgery. This open-label randomized controlled trial divides participants into two groups to see if removing or keeping the drainage tube before discharge affects complication rates within one month after surgery. The study aims to include 60 patients who had complete surgical removal of their cancer and meet specific drainage and health criteria. Participants will be randomly assigned to either have their drainage tube removed at the bedside without anesthesia or to keep the tube in place until discharge. All patients will receive standard postoperative care aside from this difference. Follow-up visits are planned at one and three weeks after discharge, where doctors will perform clinical exams and imaging if needed to check for complications like infection or abscess. Drainage volumes will be recorded daily for patients discharged with the tube, and the total observation period lasts four weeks from surgery. During the study, researchers will collect data on patient characteristics, surgical details, and postoperative management. Participants will be monitored closely for any intra-abdominal complications up to one month after surgery. The primary outcome measured is the occurrence of these complications during this time. This careful follow-up ensures the safety and accurate assessment of the effects of drainage tube removal or retention in this patient group.

Pilot Study for High Output Drainage Removal After Gastrectomy