Abstract
ABSTRACT
Postoperative infection is a frequent and potentially damaging sequela of vaginally approached reconstructive surgery. In this retrospective cohort study, we examined the use of lavage by means of the Vital Vue, a suction/irrigation/illumination device, in the reduction of postoperative infection in major vaginal reconstructive procedures. A consecutive group of 77 patients undergoing the same operative protocol and the same types of procedures was divided into group A, patients who underwent their procedure before the introduction of the Vital Vue, and group B, those in whom this instrument was used. Patients in group B were irrigated throughout their operations with 500–750 ml of saline at 300 mm Hg. After controlling for confounding factors, use of the Vital Vue was associated with a significant protective effect (relative risk 0.38, 95% confidence interval 0.14–0.99). Use of propelled stream lavage should be considered in every vaginal reparative procedure to decrease the risk of postoperative infection. (J GYNECOL SURG 10:151, 1994)
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