The subjects were 135 patients who underwent thyroid surgery between September 2002 and February 2004. The patients were randomized into two groups according to whether drains were inserted at the time of surgery. Group 1 consisted of 68 patients with drains and group 2 consisted of 67 patients without drains. The indications for surgery, procedures performed, local complications (such as infection, seroma, and bleeding or hematoma), necessity for reoperation, and hospital stay were recorded.