Anaerobic isolates in hemovac lines

Seventeen of 68 patients (25 percent) who required the use of hemovac drainage system after major head and neck procedures had positive anaerobic isolates. Co-isolation of aerobic (94 percent) and other anaerobic (29 percent) microorganisms are common. There was an increased rate of positive anaerobic isolates with procedures requiring exposure of mucosa. Radiotherapy, except in doses greater than 6,800 rads, did not affect the culture rate. Eight of 17 patients (47 percent) with positive anaerobic isolates had infectious-related complications while five of 51 patients (10 percent) with negative cultures had similar complications. Positive anaerobic isolates in hemovac lines can be correlated with pathogens isolated from subsequent complications.