Dupuytren's contracture: wound irrigation to prevent hematoma.

Hematoma is one of many complications that can follow surgery for Dupuytren's contracture. In this article, along with a discussion of previously used methods, a technique developed to prevent postoperative palmar hematoma is reviewed. The technique consists of inserting a polyethylene tube into the surgical wound prior to closure and then irrigating the wound with cold Ringer's solution at the rate of approximately 75 cc/hr for 24-36 hours postoperatively. The review involved 101 patients with 124 procedures, 76 of which were performed using the new technique. The incidence of hematoma in the patients without irrigation was 6.3%, while that in the patients with irrigation was 0.0%. No deleterious side effects of this technique were detected.