Using a submersible pump to clean large areas of the body with antiseptics

CR Srinivas

 Department of Dermatology, PSG Hospitals, Peelamedu, Coimbatore, India

Correspondence Address:
C R Srinivas
Department of Dermatology, PSG Hospitals, Peelamedu, Coimbatore - 641 004, Tamil Nadu
India

Figure 1: Tulu submersible pump

Figure 1: Tulu submersible pump

Sir,

In the year 1970, I joined SSKM Hospital in Kolkata as a resident in plastic surgery and was posted in the burns unit then located in the famous Ronald Ross building. In those days, our greatest time-consuming challenge was cleaning wounds involving large areas of the body. Today, as dermatologists, we face a similar situation with toxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN) and other extensive bullous disorders. Wound toilette is done usually with basins of potassium permanganate solution and normal saline. The patients′ skin is tender causing them to constantly groan during dressing.

Hence, any device that could minimize patient handling would be useful. Last year, my wife Chitra bought a small fountain to be placed on the table in our home. It has a tiny submersible pump which re-circulates water pumping it through a dolphin′s mouth. Derma India ^® procured for me a small submersible pump [Figure - 1] (Tulu submersible pump model THS 3000 240-250 Power 35 Watt) with which we could siphon water from a container and pump it through an adjustable hand piece. It is possible to place potassium permanganate, hydrogen peroxide or saline in the container and direct the stream of fluid with some force over the body of the patient to dislodge crusts and clean the wound, akin to the water servicing of a car. This device will not only quicken the process of wound cleaning but will also save time and possibly decrease the discomfort to the patient as handling is reduced. The stream can also be directed into less accessible areas.

Acknowledgment

Mr. Raja and Mr. Iyyengar from Dermaindia ^® for choosing and providing the pump and attachments