Dupuytren's Contracture: A Chart Review to Determine Benefits of Wound Irrigation.

ematoma is one of the most serious postoperative complications of surgical treatment for Dupuytren's contracture. This article examines the use of continuous irrigation as part of palmar fasciectomy to prevent hematoma and other postsurgical complications. A polyethylene tube is placed into the surgical wound before closure. A continuous drip irrigates the wound with Ringer's solution for 24—36 h postoperatively. This retrospective study involves 131 patients with 196 procedures dating from 1975 to 1998. The incidence of hematoma in patients who did not have irrigation was 8.1%. The incidence of hematoma In patients who underwent irrigation was 0.0%. No adverse side effects were noted with the irrigation. Irrigation was also associated with fewer postoperative complications and less postoperative pain. The purpose of this study was to determine whether continuous irrigation is a benefit for patients with Dupuytren's contracture.