BACKGROUND : Axillary lymph node dissection (ALND) is a standard procedure in the treatment of breast cancer. Current practice following ALND involves several days of drainage of the axilla to reduce the formation of seroma. The aim of this study is to compare 5 days to 8 days drainage after modified radical mastectomy (MRM). STUDY DESIGN : A prospective randomized trial was performed comparing 5 days drainage to 8 days drainage. The primary outcome measure was duration of hospital stay. Formation of seroma and wound related complications were secondary outcome measures. RESULTS : Thirty patients were randomized to the 5 days drainage group (A), 30 patients to 8 days drainage
group (B). Seroma aspiration was required in 46.7% (14 patients) after 5 days drainage, and in 33.3% (10 patients) after 8 days drainage (P= 0.07). Infectious complications were seen in 4 patients after 8 days drainage versus 1 after 5 days drainage (P = 0.0001). CONCLUSION: Five days drainage following ALND is feasible and facilitates early hospital discharge. Furthermore, 5 days drainage is not associated with excess wound related complications compared to long-term drainage.