First-in-human Testing of a Novel Sutureless Drain Securement Device: A Randomized Clinical Trial

Duet, Mary L. MD^*; Zeng, Eric BS^*; Boyajian, Michael K. MD^*; Browne, Donald T. MD^*; Peoples, Abigail MD^*; Tapp, Marion MD^*; Siska, Robert MD^*; Steele, Thomas MD^*; Calder, Bennett W. MD^*; Runyan, Christopher MD, PhD^*; David, Lisa R. MD, MBA^*.
From the ^*Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist, Winston-Salem, NC.

Takeaways

Question: Can surgical drain securement be standardized in a way that enhances safety and reliability while also reducing patient discomfort?
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Findings: A prospective, randomized trial with 21 patients compared K-LOCK to traditional suture-secured drains. K-LOCK reduced drain securement time (P = 0.0008), had no securement failures, and showed higher patient satisfaction without increasing skin irritation or adverse outcomes.
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Meaning: K-LOCK offers a faster, safer, and more comfortable alternative to sutures for securing surgical drains, improving overall patient experience and drain management

Published online 23 June 2025. Click here for link to article.

Understanding the Impacts of Surgical Drains on Postoperative Pain and Quality of Life

Gadiraju, Goutam K. BS^*; Prospero, Matthew R. BS^*; Tobias, Finn BA^†; Malek, Andrew J. BS^‡; Reiche, Erik MD^†; Broyles, Justin M. MD, MPH^† .
From the ^*Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA
‍^†Division of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Department of Surgery, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Boston, MA
‍^‡Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center, School of Medicine, New Orleans, LA.

Conclusions: Surgical drains cause substantial discomfort to most patients and exert several negative impacts on QOL. In addition to limiting drain use wherever possible, innovations in technique and the development of alternatives to existing drains may offer patients a less painful, improved postoperative recovery experience.

Published online 27 January 2025. Click here for link to article.