# Similar Short-Term Outcomes of Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis Surgery with or without Drainage: A Systematic Review of the Literature and Meta-Analysis

## TL;DR

This study finds no significant short-term differences in outcomes for scoliosis surgery with or without drainage, suggesting decisions should be based on clinical judgment.

## Contribution

The study provides a systematic review and meta-analysis on the use of drainage in adolescent scoliosis surgery, an area with limited evidence.

## Key findings

- No significant difference in blood transfusion rates between groups with and without drainage.
- No significant difference in hospital stay duration between the two groups.
- Complications and reintervention rates were higher in the no-drainage group but not statistically significant.

## Abstract

The use of closed suction drains post posterior spinal fusion for adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) is common practice, although evidence on its impact is limited compared to that for knee and hip arthroplasty. This study aimed to assess the effect of closed suction drainage on short-term post-operative outcomes in AIS surgery. A systematic review following PRISMA guidelines was conducted, including studies comparing outcomes with and without drainage. Data on blood loss, transfusions, hospital stay, and complications were collected and subjected to meta-analysis. Five studies involving 772 patients were analyzed. The meta-analysis found no significant difference in blood transfusion rates (p = 0.107) or hospital stay (p = 0.457) between groups. Complications, including surgical site infections, were more common without drainage, though not statistically significant (p = 0.356). Reintervention rates were higher in the no-drainage group, but not significantly (p = 0.260). Overall, this review found no significant short-term outcome differences, suggesting clinical judgment should guide drainage decisions. Further research, particularly with enhanced recovery protocols, is warranted to clarify drainage’s role in AIS surgery.