Irrigating drains for severe odontogenic infections do not improve outcome

The need to irrigate surgical drains in the postoperative period in patients with odontogenic infections is controversial. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of irrigating surgical drains postoperatively in patients with severe odontogenic infections.

Consecutive patients presenting with severe odontogenic infections who required incision and drainage were randomized to irrigating drains (red rubber catheters) or nonirrigating drains (Penrose drains). The primary predictor variable was the type of drain and the use of postoperative irrigation. The primary outcome variable was length of stay. Secondary outcomes included postoperative temperature, need for additional procedures, and complications. The t test was used for the primary outcome, and a P value lower than .05 was considered statistically significant.

Forty-six patients completed the study. There was no statistically significant difference in overall length of stay, length of stay after surgery, temperature, or need for additional procedures between the 2 treatment groups.

The use of nonirrigating drains appears to be equally efficacious as irrigating drains in the management of severe odontogenic infection.