Thread subject: NEPI :: wound irrigation

Posted by maroju on 10-11-2007 15:03
#1

Clinical Scenario:
A 20 year old presents to ED after sustaining a simple laceration on his left thigh. The wound edges are not mangled and it does not appear dirty. There is nothing suggestive of a nerve/tendon/vascular injury. He also does not suffer from diabetes, bleeding disorders etc. In other words, he has an otherwise clean bill of health!!! You feel that this needs sutures. What kind of fluid would you use for iirigation of this wound? Is it sterile water or tap water?
Several RCTs have been done, mainly in the western world. They find their tap water to be good enough for irrigation. How about our tap water. Can our water boards provide us clean enough water? How about bottled water? Is bottled (mineral) water cheaper than the same volume of sterile water?
Mind you the issues here are
1 Should reduce the chances of infection comparable to sterile water
2 Cost
Have any studies been done in our sub-continent? Or else, it could be a good topic for some research... volunteers please....

Edited by maroju on 10-11-2007 15:09