Closed suction pelvic drainage after radical pelvic surgical procedures.

Thirty-four women had short-term, low-pressure, closed suction pelvic drainage after radical gynecologic surgical procedures. Mean collected fluid losses were significantly higher after radical hysterectomy (25.3 ml/kg) when compared with abdominal hysterectomy (10.7 ml/kg) and lymphadenectomy. There was no correlation between the volume of pelvic drainage and patient's age, patient's weight, duration of operation, or amount of blood loss. The fluid contents resembled serum and were rarely culture positive. Short-term (5-day) drainage was not associated with lymphocysts.