[Experiences with closed irrigation-suction drainage and simultaneous administration of an antiseptic]

In 47 patients a closed instillation drainage system was used with concomitant systemic antibiotic therapy. The schedule was strictly followed and is described in detail in the text. Prerequisites for a successful therapy are thorough surgical débridement, good coverage with soft tissue and a very careful skin closure. We propose a shortened duration of instillation of 3 to a maximum of 5 days. The Draintec suction pumps now used evidently create less problems than the classic pumps. During a mean follow-up of 3 years a definite recurrence was observed in 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 tolerated well. In view of the low rate of recurrence in all cases its potential cannot yet be fully estimated. We recommend the instillation-drainage system for use in thigh, upper arm and pelvic areas in the hands of a fully cooperating management team with some experience in the application of instillation-drainage systems.