What should be confirmed before removing drains after an axillary dissection?

• A. Visual inspection of the wound
• B. Daily drainage of less than 30 cc
• C. Presence of fever
• D. Removal of stitches

Answer: (B)

Before removing drains after an axillary dissection, it is essential to confirm that the daily drainage is less than 30 cc. This criterion is critical because drains are typically used to prevent seroma formation and to allow excess fluid that can accumulate post-surgery to be evacuated from the surgical site. If the drainage is consistently below this threshold, it indicates that there is minimal fluid production from the surgical area, suggesting that the healing process is progressing well and reducing the risk of complications such as seroma or infection.

Monitoring the amount of drainage over a period is a practical measure to assess whether the drains are still necessary. If the drainage exceeds this amount, it may signal continued fluid accumulation, requiring the drains to remain in place until further stabilization occurs. Thus, confirming that drainage is less than 30 cc is a standard practice before drain removal is considered safe.