[Value of irrigation-suction drainage in the treatment of early infection of joint implants].

The analysis of follow-up examinations on 77 patients at the Endo-Klinik who were treated with suction irrigation drainage for acute postoperative infection after joint replacement surgery during the last 12 years showed a success rate up to a maximum of 60%. The success of this treatment increased, the earlier and more thoroughly it was performed. Only when the suction irrigation drainage is combined with radical excision of infected soft tissue this operation can save the implant and prolong its service life.