Purpose: The purpose of this study was to retrospectively evaluate patients with severe odontogenic infections and identify a potential correlation with type of drain used and length of hospital stay.
Patients and Methods: A medical chart review was completed retrospectively identifying patients with severe odontogenic infections admitted to The Ohio State University Medical Center under the Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery service from January 1, 2000 through December 31, 2009. Standardized data collection included length of hospital stay, type of drain, number of drains, site of infection, gender, age and pre-existing medical conditions associated with immunosuppression.
Results: The sample consisted of three hundred six subjects that underwent surgical incision and drainage, of which 59.5% were treated with non-irrigating drains. The remaining patients were treated with an irrigating drain alone, or in combination with non-irrigating drains. The mean patient age was 34.6 years; 34.8% were female, and 27 patients (8.8%) were immunocompromised. The mean length of stay was 5.70 days (SD=2.53). Variables that significantly increased length of stay include: site of infection and number of drains placed. The type of drain used did not significantly impact length of stay.
Conclusion: No significant differences existed in the length of stay related to type of drain selected. Length of hospital stay is best predicted on the basis of location and severity of infection.