• Alan D Widgerow, Craig Wittstock, and Geoffrey P Candy.
• Department of Surgery, University of the Witwatersrand and Netcare Linksfield Park Clinic, Johannesburg.
• S Afr J Surg. 2008 Feb 1; 46 (1): 14-6.

BackgroundA new device made by ThebeMedicare allows efficient local anaesthetic washout of wound areas, by utilising an attachment to an existing drain. The aim of this trial was to explore 'proof of concept' in patients undergoing abdominoplasty procedures.Patients And MethodsThirty-one patients who had undergone abdominoplasty procedures were selected for instillation of a local anaesthetic preparation, ropivacaine (Naropin, AstraZeneca) into the wound site on day 1 and 2 after surgery, followed by early mobilisation. Efficacy of the system, patient comfort and mobilisation were documented.ResultsThe abdominoplasty patients experienced no discomfort from the procedure and claimed effective relief of pain for an average of 12 hours following instillation of local anaesthetic. All mobilised effectively. The device worked well, with no technical problems.ConclusionThe lavage drain extension has proved to be a cost-effective and efficient way of providing postoperative pain control and promoting early mobilisation in this patient group.

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