# Timing of drainage tube removal and flap recovery after osmidrosis surgery: a case series

## TL;DR

This case series explores when to remove drainage tubes after osmidrosis surgery to improve flap recovery and reduce skin damage.

## Contribution

The study introduces a new insight into optimal drainage duration for minimizing flap ischemia after osmidrosis surgery.

## Key findings

- Drainage tubes removed on postoperative day 9 showed no white dermal erosions.
- Maintaining drainage for at least 6 days optimizes flap perfusion.
- White dermal erosions decreased with longer drainage duration.

## Abstract

The optimal timing for drainage tube removal after osmidrosis surgery is uncertain. This case series investigates the relationship between drainage duration and flap recovery following osmidrosis surgery. Thirty patients (60 axillae) underwent minimally invasive liposuction-assisted curettage combined with the blunt-scissor technique using two 5-mm incisions at the anterior and posterior axillary borders, with one 5-mm Penrose drain inserted per incision. Patients were divided into three groups according to the postoperative day (POD) of drain removal—POD 3, 6, and 9. Tie-over dressings were removed uniformly on POD 3, and white dermal erosions were recorded as indicators of transient ischemia. White erosions occurred in 3, 1, and 0 axillae, respectively, suggesting that maintaining drainage for at least 6 days optimizes flap perfusion and minimizes ischemic dermal changes after osmidrosis surgery.