Mostly, there are chances of fluid collecting around areas operated on within the body subsequent to surgeries. This creates high chances of contracting infections as well as other problems. For this reason, surgeons insert surgical drains that ensure the fluid drains out. Surgical drain management is of essence in a bid to preventing any infections.
Surgical drains are simply thin rubber tubes inserted to the location of the wound in order to take away fluids including pus and blood from such a wound. However, such insertions prevent not infections and lead not to faster healing of the wound. Rather, they remove fluids that may otherwise cause infections or even lead to complications from retained blood. The physician gives specific instructions on the duration the drain is to stay, but the removal generally occurs when there is a significantly small amount of fluid collected or none at all.
Different type of drains work differently. They can either be passive or active surgical drains. Passive drains depend on gravity to remove the fluid from the area of the wound, while active drains are usually attached to a wall suction or a vacuum device. The surgeon selects the ideal type that fits the operation site as well as the drainage expected.
Drains can present potential problems such as providing a pathway for access to the wound by bacteria hence leading to infections. Generally, there are higher risks of contracting infections from the third to the fourth day. Around this time, there is also a higher risk of mechanical damages to surrounding tissues. Minimizing these risks will require the surgeon to insert drains following the shortest as well as the safest route to the skin. This ensures that there is no great pressure exerted by the drain to the tissues adjacent.
A systematic approach on care and management of drains can significantly reduce complications and the amount of drainage. After the insertion of drains, the drainage is accompanied by blood which is usually dark red and thick coming from the leftover blood after the operation. The fluid decreases as the wound heals and the color of the discharge changes to pink and becomes thinner since there is less blood. When the blood is completely gone, the drainage becomes thin, pale yellow, and eventually slows to trickle.
Drain management is determined by the type, location, and purpose of the drains. Generally, the major reason for surgical drain insertions is the removal of air and fluid from the area of surgery. Therefore, it is essential to take heed to the instructions that a surgeon gives.
To prevent clogging, the tube is squeezed to allow proper drainage. The physician gives guidelines on the appropriate time of squeezing for example whenever you notice that the fluid does not get away because of a clog. In addition, when you notice any fluid leakage near the tube that goes to the skin, the best care management is to squeeze.
Removal of surgical drains generally is performed when no more fluid flows or when the flow falls below 25 ml/day. Nevertheless, the period may be shortened through gradual withdrawal of the drains at about 2 cm each day so as to give way to the gradual healing of the area.
Surgical drains are simply thin rubber tubes inserted to the location of the wound in order to take away fluids including pus and blood from such a wound. However, such insertions prevent not infections and lead not to faster healing of the wound. Rather, they remove fluids that may otherwise cause infections or even lead to complications from retained blood. The physician gives specific instructions on the duration the drain is to stay, but the removal generally occurs when there is a significantly small amount of fluid collected or none at all.
Different type of drains work differently. They can either be passive or active surgical drains. Passive drains depend on gravity to remove the fluid from the area of the wound, while active drains are usually attached to a wall suction or a vacuum device. The surgeon selects the ideal type that fits the operation site as well as the drainage expected.
Drains can present potential problems such as providing a pathway for access to the wound by bacteria hence leading to infections. Generally, there are higher risks of contracting infections from the third to the fourth day. Around this time, there is also a higher risk of mechanical damages to surrounding tissues. Minimizing these risks will require the surgeon to insert drains following the shortest as well as the safest route to the skin. This ensures that there is no great pressure exerted by the drain to the tissues adjacent.
A systematic approach on care and management of drains can significantly reduce complications and the amount of drainage. After the insertion of drains, the drainage is accompanied by blood which is usually dark red and thick coming from the leftover blood after the operation. The fluid decreases as the wound heals and the color of the discharge changes to pink and becomes thinner since there is less blood. When the blood is completely gone, the drainage becomes thin, pale yellow, and eventually slows to trickle.
Drain management is determined by the type, location, and purpose of the drains. Generally, the major reason for surgical drain insertions is the removal of air and fluid from the area of surgery. Therefore, it is essential to take heed to the instructions that a surgeon gives.
To prevent clogging, the tube is squeezed to allow proper drainage. The physician gives guidelines on the appropriate time of squeezing for example whenever you notice that the fluid does not get away because of a clog. In addition, when you notice any fluid leakage near the tube that goes to the skin, the best care management is to squeeze.
Removal of surgical drains generally is performed when no more fluid flows or when the flow falls below 25 ml/day. Nevertheless, the period may be shortened through gradual withdrawal of the drains at about 2 cm each day so as to give way to the gradual healing of the area.
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Learn about surgical drain management and how to record your progress on an excel spreadsheet. To know more, visit this website at http://www.medicaldrain.com.
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