Simple suction drainage: an adjunct to septal surgery.

Postoperative hematoma is a complication of septal surgery that can be associated with significant morbidity and possibly even mortality in some cases. A simple suction drainage technique using a scalp vein cannula and vacuum tube can prevent a septal hematoma without the need for bulky nasal packing (with its attendant nasal obstruction and risk of bleeding on removal). The technique is also useful for postoperative drainage of an established septal hematoma or abscess secondary to trauma.