EXPERIENCE WITH A CLOSED INSTILLATION DRA INAGE SYSTEM WITH SIMULTANEOUS USE OF AN ANTISEPTIC

In 47 patients a closed instillation drainage system was used with con comitant systemic antibiotic therapy. The schedule was strictly follow ed and is described in detail in the text. Prerequisites for a success ful therapy are thorough surgical debridement, good coverage with soft tissue and a very careful skin closure. We propose a shortened durati on of instillation of 3 to a maximum of 5 days. The Draintec suction p umps now used evidently create less problems than the classic pumps. D uring a mean follow-up of 3 years a definite recurrence was observed i n two cases and a possible recurrence in one. In view of these results we consider this mode of treatment is still valid. Lavasept was added as an antiseptic drug in three quarters of the cases and was tolerate d well. In view of the low rate of recurrence in all cases its potenti al cannot yet be fully estimated. We recommend the instillation-draina ge system for use in thigh, upper arm and pelvic areas in the hands of a fully cooperating management team with some experience in the appli cation of instillation-drainage systems.