Surgical drains refer to a tube that is positioned close to an incision subsequent to surgical operations. The reason for having the drains is to get rid of blood and pus as well as other fluids to prevent their accumulation. The type of drainage systems inserted is based on the needs by a patient, surgery type, the kind of wound, the amount of drainage expected and surgeon preferences. Nonetheless, surgical drain management is important for infection control.
For many years, drains have been used in different operations with a good intention. Generally, the intention is to drain or decompress either fluid or air, out of the surgical area. These drains therefore help prevent accumulation of fluid, dead space or air as well as to characterize fluid, for instance, early detection of anastomotic leakage.
Surgical drains exist in different categories. First, they could be closed or open drains. Open drains consist of plastic sheets or rubber that is corrugated and will empty the fluids into stoma bags or gauze pads. Open drain raises the chances of getting infections. In contrast, closed drains are made of tubes draining in bottles or bags. An Illustration includes abdominal, orthopedics and chest drains. The chances of being infected are lowered when closed drains are used.
The other category of surgical drains is passive and active drains. Active drains are kept with the aid of suctions that may be low or high in pressure. A passive drain needs no suction, and will work in relation to the variance in pressure between the internal cavities and the exterior.
The drains may as well be rubber or Silastic drains. Silastic drains normally induce negligible tissue reactions, as they are moderately inert. Rubber drains on the other hand, may stimulate severe reaction in the tissues and may permit the formation of tracts.
Management of drains is usually governed by the purpose as well as the location of the drain. Therefore, preferences and instructions of the surgeon should be followed. The drain must remain secured since dislodgment can occur when transferring the patient. Such dislodgement may increase irritation and risk of infection. At the same time, changes in volume and the character of the fluid should be monitored. This is in order to identify arising complications that can result in leaking blood or fluid, especially pancreatic or bile secretions. Also, fluid loss should be measured to help in the intravenous replacement of lost fluids.
The drains are taken off when drainage moves below 25 ml in a day or has completely stopped. The drains could be shortened as well by gradually removing them and giving room for a slow healing of the area. Discomforts can be felt when pulling out the drains hence pain relievers are needed prior to removal of the drains.
Once the drains have been removed, place a dry dressing on the site. Some drainage commonly occurs from the site and this may happen until the wound has healed. Drains left for a prolonged period may become difficult to remove while early removal lowers the likelihood of complications more so infections.
For many years, drains have been used in different operations with a good intention. Generally, the intention is to drain or decompress either fluid or air, out of the surgical area. These drains therefore help prevent accumulation of fluid, dead space or air as well as to characterize fluid, for instance, early detection of anastomotic leakage.
Surgical drains exist in different categories. First, they could be closed or open drains. Open drains consist of plastic sheets or rubber that is corrugated and will empty the fluids into stoma bags or gauze pads. Open drain raises the chances of getting infections. In contrast, closed drains are made of tubes draining in bottles or bags. An Illustration includes abdominal, orthopedics and chest drains. The chances of being infected are lowered when closed drains are used.
The other category of surgical drains is passive and active drains. Active drains are kept with the aid of suctions that may be low or high in pressure. A passive drain needs no suction, and will work in relation to the variance in pressure between the internal cavities and the exterior.
The drains may as well be rubber or Silastic drains. Silastic drains normally induce negligible tissue reactions, as they are moderately inert. Rubber drains on the other hand, may stimulate severe reaction in the tissues and may permit the formation of tracts.
Management of drains is usually governed by the purpose as well as the location of the drain. Therefore, preferences and instructions of the surgeon should be followed. The drain must remain secured since dislodgment can occur when transferring the patient. Such dislodgement may increase irritation and risk of infection. At the same time, changes in volume and the character of the fluid should be monitored. This is in order to identify arising complications that can result in leaking blood or fluid, especially pancreatic or bile secretions. Also, fluid loss should be measured to help in the intravenous replacement of lost fluids.
The drains are taken off when drainage moves below 25 ml in a day or has completely stopped. The drains could be shortened as well by gradually removing them and giving room for a slow healing of the area. Discomforts can be felt when pulling out the drains hence pain relievers are needed prior to removal of the drains.
Once the drains have been removed, place a dry dressing on the site. Some drainage commonly occurs from the site and this may happen until the wound has healed. Drains left for a prolonged period may become difficult to remove while early removal lowers the likelihood of complications more so infections.
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