Application of Hand Towel Drape over Dingman Mouth Gag.
10.7181/acfs.2015.16.1.29
- Author:
Kyeong Beom CHOI
1
;
Myong Chul PARK
Author Information
1. Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Ajou University Hospital, Ajou University School of Medicine, Suwon, Korea. mpark@ajou.ac.kr
- Publication Type:Brief Communication
- Keywords:
Cleft palate;
Surgical drape;
Suture;
Oral surgical procedure
- MeSH:
Cleft Palate;
Hand*;
Mouth*;
Oral Surgical Procedures;
Surgical Drapes;
Sutures;
Water
- From:Archives of Craniofacial Surgery
2015;16(1):29-30
- CountryRepublic of Korea
- Language:English
-
Abstract:
In cleft palate surgery, the environment is especially critical when suturing. Encum-bered, obstructive space in the environment can hinder a suture while using the Dingman mouth gag. We introduced a novel but simple draping technique. A simple hand towel is placed over the gag. A hole is cut out in the middle according to each patient's mouth. After making the hole, the hand towel is soaked in water and gently squeezed. Then the towel is properly placed over the Dingman mouth gag. Dripping water on the hand towel during the suture helps keep it in place. Using this draping technique, we cut 14 minutes of operation time compared to the average operation time of the past 2 years. There were several disadvantages in previous draping method. First, long suture material may easily get caught. Second, the operation field can easily be contaminated. Third, focusing on the operation becomes difficult due to the obstruction. This draping technique can compensate for the disadvantages of the previous Dingman mouth gag.
