Effect of disposable electronically pulsed lavage suction apparatus in wound cleansing

Abstract

Objective To evaluate the clinical effect and safety of disposable electronically pulsed lavage suction apparatus in wound cleansing in a randomized single-blinded trial. Methods From April 2009 through January 2010, 51 patients were randomized into experimental and control groups. In the control group, wounds were debrided by flushing with normal saline directly. In the experimental group, wounds were cleansed with disposable electronically pulsed lavage suction apparatus. The clinical effects were evaluated in terms of inflammatory reaction and colony count around the wound 2 weeks after wound cleansing. Results All cases were followed up for 2 weeks. No significant differences were found between the 2 groups in the inflammatory reaction or in the colony count （4992 ± 19 640 vs. 21 000 ± 1 996 089） 2 weeks after wound cleansing （ P 〉 0. 05）. The wound effusion in the experimental group was signific.antly less than in the control group （x^2 = 4. 306, P = 0. 012）. In the experimental group, the colony count after wound cleansing （4992 ± 19 640） was significantly smaller than that before wound cleansing （423 000 ± 19 538 889） （ t = 10. 214, P = 0. 002） . No untoward reaction happened in this clinical trial. Conclusions Disposable electronically pulsed lavage suction apparatus is as effective and safe as the traditional method. Since the pulses lavage can decrease postoperative wound effusion and is convenient to use, it is recommendable in clinic. Key words: Irrigation; Surgical instruments; Debridemeut; Wounds and injuries