PRESSURE-VOLUME RELATIONSHIPS OF WOUND DR AINAGE SYSTEMS AND THEIR VALUE IN ENT SURGERY

Four low-vacuum systems and 6 high-vacuum systems were examined concer ning their pressure-volume relationships. For each type the maximum fi lling volume for sufficient drainage of wound secretions was determine d. The use of a wound fluid substitute instead of water resulted in a lower aspiration volume. Enlargement of the tube diameter showed a red uction in the initial vacuum for the low-vacuum systems, whereas the h igh-vacuum systems were not affected. The amounts of postoperative wou nd fluid lost in selected ENT operations were determined. Considering the volume capacity of the wound drainage systems, the type of contain er can be chosen that eliminates the necessity for later bottle exchan ge on the wards, thus avoiding a potential risk for wound infection. T he high-vacuum systems with a volume capacity of 150 or 200 ml are suf ficient for parotidectomies, costal cartilage resections and reconstru ctions of the auricle, resulting in good postoperative wound adaptatio n and also preventing the need for postoperative bottle exchanges.