Background: Subcutaneous wound drains are useful because they prevent fluid from collecting in the area between the skin and the underlying tissue. Subcutaneous wound drain insertion after cesarean delivery and gynecologic surgery yielded conflicting results. This work aimed for evaluating the efficacy as well as the impact of utilizing surgical wound drains on the healing of wounds among females who underwent gynecological operations involving cancer.

Methods: This randomized controlled clinical trial was carried out on 174 cases from the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology at Zagazig University Hospital, divided into two equal groups: In group A, 87 patients had subcutaneous suction drain size (14-16) or tube drain for 2-7 days, and the skin was closed by metal clips. In Group B: 87 patients where subcutaneous wound drains were not used, as metal clips were used to close the skin after it was approximated with interrupted 2-0 or 3-0 Vicryl fast sutures. Assessment of wound healing and outcomes was done for the 2 groups.

Results: Wound sites managed with a drain had more significantly clear wound healing than those managed without a drain (p<0.001). Also, seroma formation, wound infection, mean wound healing time and duration of hospital stay were significantly lower in drain group than without the drain group (p=0.036, 0.022, <0.001, <0.001 respectively).

Conclusion: Applying subcutaneous negative pressure drain is useful approach to wound management in gynecologic surgery, as it leads to better wound outcomes in patients who have undergone gynecological procedures, including faster wound healing and less wound disruption