Abstract
The problem of prophylaxis and treatment of infected complications after total joint replacement is relevant today, especially in case of revision procedures. The important factor in successful preventive maintenance and treatment of purulent complications is reduction of so-called «dead space» of the operated joint. Aim of this study is to analyze the Taurolin-Gel 4% application for “dead” space filling in patients with high risk of wound infections after total hip replacement.
Follow-up results of 178 operations with Taurolin-Gel 4% application have been studied. Patients were observed from 2 to 12 years (average 6 years). All patients were divided on 4 groups. First group consisted of 46 patients with early postoperative infected complications; second group (38 patients) was with first step of two-step revision in chronic infection. Third group included 35 patients on second stage of two-stage revision and fourth group consisted of 59 patients with medical history of infected problems in affected joint. In all four groups the infection recurrences after Taurolin implantation were noted in 6 patients (3,4 %).
Taurolin-Gel 4%, inserted into joint cavity, is not only a good local antibacterial agent, but it also fills up “dead” spaces in the affected joint and displaces haematoma. Deleting a haematoma, which is the favourable environment for bacterial functioning, risk of infections complication in the postoperative period reduces. Besides, Taurolin-Gel decreases postoperative blood loss for approximately 30 %, causing mechanical haemostasis. In difference from filling of a joint cavity with the moved muscular tissue, Taurolin Gel 4 % using are much easier technically, reduces time of revision intervention and traumatic of operation.
Correspondence should be addressed to EORS Secretariat Mag. Gerlinde M. Jahn, c/o Vienna Medical Academy, Alserstrasse 4, 1090 Vienna, Austria. Fax: +43-1-4078274. Email: eors@medacad.org
