title: A new technique to maintain closed-suction drainage catheter function.
abstract: Closed-suction catheter drains offer many advantages over previously used systems in head and neck surgery. Occlusion of drains with either tissue fragments of thrombus, however, is a relatively common problem. Several methods have been proposed to restore flow to obstructed drains. These methods are reviewed and a new method is described that is efficacious, avoids wound contamination, and is relatively inexpensive.
mesh_terms: D004322:Drainage / Q000379:methods*; D006801:Humans; D037981:Neck Dissection; D011182:Postoperative Care / Q000379:methods*