Suction Flow Drainage in Head and Neck Surgery a New Principle for Postoperative Suction Drainage

Abstract

Suction drainages are used all over the world in head and neck surgery. Especially in large resections with rather thin skin flaps, it is of great value to try to avoid postoperative hematomas and local infections. A good functioning suction drainage is a valuable factor to eliminate these risks. A careful investigation of most of the drainage types in use, however, shows that a large number of holes in the tube are blocked very soon after wound closure, and the suction capacity is diminished and in many cases insufficient. In order to overcome this disadvantage a new type of drainage with suction and possibilities of a continuous slow flow of Ringer solution has been worked out. This new drainage has been in use for five years and has proved to be superior to the common ones. A correlation between the old and new type of drainage system concerning percentages of blocked holes has also been made.