A closed irrigation and drainage system for use with percutaneous abscess drainage: technical note.

A closed irrigation and drainage system has been used in 50 consecutive patients to assess its effectiveness in maintaining catheter patency and draining fluid collections. It consists of an irrigation fluid source, flushing syringe, drainage bag, and tubing to connect the components, and is assembled when the initial drainage procedure is performed. The system emphasizes the use of the siphon effect to maintain constant suction and a closed irrigation and drainage configuration that prevents spread of infection to others and minimizes contamination of the drained cavity. This method of irrigation and drainage also makes patient care considerably easier, and ensures catheter patency.