The Use Of Surgical Drains Amongst The Orthopaedic Surgeons Of Kuwait

Abstract

Background: The use of surgical drains has been a controversial topic among all surgical specialties and the outcome of its use has conflicting data especially in orthopaedic surgery. The aim of this study was to see if orthopaedic surgeons in Kuwait know the current guidelines and evidence-based practice. The study also aimed to investigate if demography, background, experience as well as sub specialty among orthopaedic surgeons can influence their usage of surgical drains. In addition, to assess their adherence to the interna- tional recommendations for the use of surgical drains. Method: An electronic survey was constructed, based on the current evidence from the literature provided by high-level institutions/orga nizations and Evidence-Based Medicine (EBM) sources. Including evidence from the WHO, CDC and Cochrane reviews. The survey was sent to all orthopedic surgeons in Kuwait (Total of 116), 73 par - ticipants responded (63% response rate). In addition the questions also surveyed demographic data regarding subspecialty and techni - cal habits of use. Results: The survey included a total of 73 orthopedic surgeons from different hospitals and subspecialties .It contained a total of 21 questions in which 7 questions were further subdivided into 6 categories. The categories represent 6 items of the current EBM policies, aiming to address the participant’s knowledge by point scoring. A total score of 6 (maximum score) is only achieved by 1 surgeon. 4 Surgeons had a score of 0. The majority of surgeons (88%) scored between 1 and 3 points out of 6. All the secondary objectives were statistically insignificant. Conclusion: These results show that orthopedic surgeons in Ku - wait are not updated with the current evidence-based practice re garding the use of surgical drains in Orthopedic Surgery.