Published online Jan 21, 2022. doi: 10.3748/wjg.v28.i3.399
Peer-review started: July 18, 2021
First decision: October 3, 2021
Revised: October 5, 2021
Accepted: January 11, 2022
Article in press: January 11, 2022
Published online: January 21, 2022
Processing time: 179 Days and 2 Hours
Prophylactic drains have always been a useful tool to detect early complications and prevent postoperative fluid collections, particularly in gastrointestinal surgery. Recently, the utilization of such drains has been debated, due to mounting evidence that they could be harmful rather than beneficial. Based on recent published articles, Liu et al reported that the routine use of prophylactic drains in total laparoscopic distal gastrectomy might not be necessary for all patients. Herein, we express our opinion regarding this interesting publication.
Core Tip: Historically, prophylactic drains have been used to prevent postoperative collections and detect complications. In recent decades, there have been increasing reports that debate their routine usage in gastrointestinal surgery. Liu et al have shown that prophylactic drains can be safely omitted in selected patients undergoing totally laparoscopic distal gastrectomy. In this letter to the editor, we express our opinion regarding these interesting findings.