Irrigating Drains in Severe Odontogenic Infections Does Not improve Outcome
Purpose: The need to irrigate surgical drains in the post-operative period in patients with odontogenic infections is controversial. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of irrigating surgical drains post-operatively in patients with severe odontogenic infections.
Patients and Methods: Consecutive patients presenting with severe odontogenic infections who required incision and drainage were randomized to either irrigating (red rubber catheters) or non-irrigating (penrose drains). The primary predictor variable was the type of drain and use of post-operative irrigation. The primary outcome variable was length of stay. Secondary outcomes included post-operative temperature, need for additional procedures and complications. The T-test was used for the primary outcome and a P value of <0.05 was considered significant.
Results: Forty-six patients completed the study. There was no statistically significant difference between overall length of stay, length of stay following surgery, temperature or need for additional procedures between the two treatment groups. (P>0.05)
Conclusion:
The use of non-irrigating drains appears to be as equally efficacious as irrigating drains in the management of severe odontogenic infection.