A practical tip to prevent intraoperative blockage of suction tubing.

Abstract

To prevent blockage of the suction tubing, we use a simple, economical and effective method that allows us to aspirate fluid from the cavity whilst minimizing the soft tissue damage and preventing the blockage of the suction catheter. When aspirating a large volume of fluid, firstly remove smaller caliber attachments from the suction tubing such as Yankauer suckers. Hold in place a small swab over the suction tubing whilst aspirating the fluid [Figure 1]. This allows the fluid to be aspirated from cavities and protects the surrounding soft tissues [Figure 2]. A similar technique has also been described for laparoscopic procedures.[1] The advantage of this technique is that in addition to aspirating fluids, debris such as clots or other pieces of soft issue collect in the gauze and can easily be removed from the surgical field.