Suction-assisted device: A substitute to postoperative packing of abscess cavity in patients with ear burns

Background: Ear burns abscesses managed by incision and drainage and daily packing cause significant pain. The management of ear burns abscess involves avoiding pressure on the ear and ensuring collapse of the dead space. To achieve this and a pain-free recovery, we used a technique – suction-assisted device (SAD). Methods: SAD technique was used in patients with an undamaged abscess cavity (cases). Patients who did not consent to use of SAD or with burst abscesses or exposed cartilages were managed by I and D (controls). The SAD was made from: (1) 10 ml syringe, (2) 5 ml plunger, and (3) 8 Fr infant feeding tube. In both groups, the VAS was documented daily. The mean VAS and the treatment-time were compared between cases and controls. Results: The mean VAS and treatment time were significantly lower with SAD (P < 0.001). Conclusion: SAD has some distinct advantages over the standard dressing and was accepted by patients.