Table 3

Overall complications were defined as having any wound complication, respiratory complication, dysphagia, or other complications.

ComplicationsDrain (n = 39)No drain (n = 42)p-value
Overall Complications41.0%45.2%0.70
Wound Complications7.7%7.1%0.93
Wound healing5.1%0.0%0.14
Infection0.0%2.4%0.33
Wound evacuation0.0%0.0%-
Hematoma0.0%0.0%-
Edema2.6%4.8%0.6
Respiratory complications17.9%16.7%0.88
Reintubation5.1%0.0%0.14
Delayed extubation0.0%0.0%-
Respiratory treatment17.9%16.7%0.88
Dysphagia15.4%9.5%0.42
Other complications30.8%26.2%0.65