[Experimental and clinical studies of the use of thin-lumen polyurethane gravity drainage in accident surgery]

A clinical randomized study was conducted to compare 28 closed polyurethane (PU) drainage systems and 28 open polyvinylchloride (PVC) (Redon) drainage systems. The aim was to find whether the Redon drains could be replaced by PU drains without suction in the field of joint and soft tissue surgery. In another study, 27 PU gravity-drainage systems were implanted for surface electron microscopy. There was no difference in the volume of fluid drained. The tendency to diversion of the secretion induced by a thrombus in the drain was significantly lower in the PU drainage group than in the PVC-Redon group. Extraction of the drain was significantly less painful in the PU group than in the group with Redon drains. No complications occurred in either group. The surface electron-microscope study revealed slight adherence of thrombotic material to the inner wall of the drain in the PU group only. The thrombi were mobile and had a smooth surface, so that they could not block the drainage of secretions. In our opinion, PU gravity-drainage systems could be substituted for PVC-Redon drainage systems in the field of traumatology. This would exclude the potential toxic effects of PVC.