title: Dupuytren's contracture: wound irrigation to prevent hematoma.
abstract: Hematoma is one of many complications that can follow surgery for Dupuytren's contracture. In this article, along with a discussion of previously used methods, a technique developed to prevent postoperative palmar hematoma is reviewed. The technique consists of inserting a polyethylene tube into the surgical wound prior to closure and then irrigating the wound with cold Ringer's solution at the rate of approximately 75 cc/hr for 24-36 hours postoperatively. The review involved 101 patients with 124 procedures, 76 of which were performed using the new technique. The incidence of hematoma in the patients without irrigation was 6.3%, while that in the patients with irrigation was 0.0%. No deleterious side effects of this technique were detected.
authors.affiliation: University of Louisville School of Medicine.
authors.forename: M L
authors.initials: ML
authors.lastname: Kasdan
authors.forename: J R
authors.initials: JR
authors.lastname: Chipman
mesh_terms: D004387:Dupuytren Contracture / Q000601:surgery*; D006406:Hematoma / Q000517:prevention & control*; D006801:Humans; D011183:Postoperative Complications / Q000517:prevention & control*; D007507:Therapeutic Irrigation