Objective:Postoperative epidural drainage is commonly encountered during spinal instrumentation surgery. However, the significance of postoperative drainage remains unclear. Herein, we attempted to clarify the significance of postoperative drainage based on drainage fluid content and volume.Materials and Methods:We study including 107 posterior lumbar interbody fusion cases which was conducted from March 2014 to December 2018. Postoperative drainage volumes were measured every 6 h for each patient. Blood analysis of the drainage fluid was performed for 67 patients. Blood cell counts(red blood cells, white blood cells, platelets, and segments of white blood cells) , total protein, albumin levels, and albumin-to-globulin ratios were determined in each drainage bag. Bags 1, 2, and 3 represent drainage volumes collected<12, 12-36, and>36 h, respectively. One patient had a subcutaneous effusion, and the aspirate was analyzed like the drainage fluid.Results:The drainage volume increased rapidly(40 ml/h)within the first 12 h after surgery, gradually decreased by 15 ml/h between 12 and 36 h, and further decreased by 8 ml/h after 36 h. Blood analysis revealed a significant decrease in all blood cell lineages. Total protein and albumin levels decreased after Bag 3 collection. In the patient with a subcutaneous effusion, the aspirate showed a higher white blood cell count, platelet count, total protein level, and albumin level than the postoperative drainage. Conclusion:Based on drainage fluid and volume analyses, the drainage volume gradually decreased with time and the drainage fluid contents converted blood cells into interstitial fluid after 12 h.