Abstract

PURPOSE
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.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
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.
RESULTS
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.
CONCLUSIONS
The use of nonirrigating drains appears to be equally efficacious as irrigating drains in the management of severe odontogenic infection.

Links

Publisher Full Text

Authors

Bouloux GF, Wallace J, Xue W

Institution

Rollins School of Public Health, Department of Biostatistics and Bioinformatics, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA. gfboulo@emory.edu

Source

Journal of oral and maxillofacial surgery : official journal of the American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons 71:1 2013 Jan pg 42-6

MeSH

Adult
Body Temperature
Chi-Square Distribution
Drainage
Female
Humans
Length of Stay
Linear Models
Male
Mandible
Middle Aged
Outcome Assessment (Health Care)
Periapical Abscess
Statistics, Nonparametric
Therapeutic Irrigation
Young Adult

Pub Type(s)

Comparative Study
Journal Article
Randomized Controlled Trial

Language

eng

PubMed ID

22726703