[Slit drainage in hip endoprosthesis--also an alternative in trauma surgery? A prospective follow-up study]

Forty-four patients undergoing elective hip joint operation were analyzed to assess whether a new slit-suction drainage is less painful than the regular Redon-suction drainage. Main endpoint of the study was the effectiveness to draw off secretion and the pain at the time of removal of the drainage. Other endpoint was the rate of postoperative complications. At the time of removal patients with slit drain rarely complained about pain (p < 0.01). On contrary, patients with Redon drain always complained about pain. Clotting were seldom shown in slit drains and were frequently shown in Redon drains. Both slit drains and Redon drains were effective to drain secretion. As the new slit drain was more comfortable for patients following hip joint repair slit drain should always be used as suction drainage.