4. Make balance between pros and cons of drainage
According to the current evidence, we could not make a conclusion to either support using
drainage or non-drainage strategies. The literature indicated that drainage after TKA
reduced soft tissue ecchymosis and requirement for dressing reinforcement, but caused
more blood loss and increased the blood transfusion rate. The literature also failed to
support that drainage could reduce incidence of infection, deep venous thrombosis, or
increase postoperative range of motion. Whether using drainage or not depends on each
patient’s clinical condition, surgeon’s preference and consideration.