EVALUATING THE IMPACT OF DRAINAGE TUBE USE IN TOTAL KNEE ARTHROPLASTY ON BLOOD LOSS AND POSTOPERATIVE PAIN MANAGEMENT IN FEMALE ATHLETES

Abstract

Objective: This study aimed to explore the effects of drainage tube placement during the perioperative period of total knee arthroplasty (TKA) on blood loss and postoperative pain, focusing on implications for recovery in female athletes. Methods: Seventy patients who underwent elective TKA at our institution from January 2022 to January 2023 were included. They were randomly assigned to two groups: Group A (35 patients without a drainage tube) and Group B (35 patients with a drainage tube). We assessed hidden and overt blood loss, hemoglobin (Hb) and hematocrit (Hct) levels, postoperative pain using the Visual Analog Scale (VAS), hospital stay duration, and complication rates, including limb swelling, blood transfusions, and thromboembolic events. Results: No significant difference was observed in total blood loss between the groups (P>0.05). However, Group B experienced significantly less hidden blood loss than Group A (P<0.05). Both groups showed a significant drop in Hb and Hct post-surgery (P<0.05) with no between-group differences (P>0.05). Postoperative pain scores were notably lower in Group B (P<0.05). The incidence of limb swelling was significantly reduced in Group B (17.14%) compared to Group A (40.00%) (P<0.05). There were no significant differences in the incidence of blood transfusions, pulmonary embolisms, or deep vein thromboses between the groups (P>0.05). Conclusion: While the perioperative use of a drainage tube in TKA does not decrease total blood loss or shorten hospital stays, it significantly reduces postoperative pain and limb swelling. This outcome is particularly relevant for female athletes, whose recovery process is crucial to resuming training and competition. Implementing drainage tubes could thus enhance postoperative comfort and potentially expedite the return to athletic activities.