Drains are used in a variety of orthopedic, general surgery and cardiac procedures. Effective surgical drain management will prevent infections, promote faster healing and reduce pain after surgery. Patients who have undergone these procedures need to be managed well to prevent the situation from worsening.
With different types of drains, their management needs vary. It also depends on the liquid they are carrying out including blood, serum and lymph, among others. If the liquids are allowed to remain after surgery, they will lead to unnecessary pressure on the wounded areas causing the surrounding tissues, organs and nerves to malfunction. Pressure causes perfusion which slows down the healing process. Buildup of fluids will cause accumulation of bacteria which is dangerous for your health.
The process of draining the fluid can either be active or passive. Passive is where natural gravity is used to expel the liquids from the surgery area. Active drainage involves the use of sanction or vacuuming force. The surgeon makes a decision on the procedure to use based on availability of necessary equipment, expertise and its suitability in the prevailing conditions.
There are expected complications when using drains. It is worth noting that drains are very painful to insert and remove. Maintaining them in position requires careful maneuvers and is also very painful. The tubes rub against tissues lining their path from the wound to the skin or exit. The entry point for the tube is also likely to be attacked by bacteria which are likely to cause infections.
The complication of using a drain worsens as the days go by. The risk of infection rises several folds by the third and fourth day. Nearby tissues are significantly damaged at the time through rubbing. The best way to handle the situation is to place it so that it reaches the wound and the skin through the shortest distance. The route used should also be the safest for the patient. This means that it will exert the least pressure and to the least number of tissues.
It is natural for the body to resist the drain by encasing it. This is because it is regarded as a foreign body. The reaction by the body reduces the effectiveness of the tubes. This is best handled through constant monitoring to ensure that the tube is still functioning optimally. The drains must be labeled clearly to make management consistent.
Strict monitoring of drains is necessary for the success of any procedure. The features that should be noted include the consistency of fluid flow, its color and quantity of drainage. It is expected that the initial drainage will be sanguineous. This is caused by a large quantity of fluid leftovers during surgery. The staff managing the patient should know the kind of flow to expect based on wound location and nature of operation.
There is a gradual reduction in drainage volume as the fluid becomes thinner. This change should be documented and tracked to facilitate intervention if it goes against expectations. Sterile handling techniques should be used at all times ensuring that the work is not delegated to trainees at any one time. Only a qualified surgeon should authorize removal after monitoring the behavior of drainage over time. This eases prediction of the next course of action after determining if the procedure is successful or not.
With different types of drains, their management needs vary. It also depends on the liquid they are carrying out including blood, serum and lymph, among others. If the liquids are allowed to remain after surgery, they will lead to unnecessary pressure on the wounded areas causing the surrounding tissues, organs and nerves to malfunction. Pressure causes perfusion which slows down the healing process. Buildup of fluids will cause accumulation of bacteria which is dangerous for your health.
The process of draining the fluid can either be active or passive. Passive is where natural gravity is used to expel the liquids from the surgery area. Active drainage involves the use of sanction or vacuuming force. The surgeon makes a decision on the procedure to use based on availability of necessary equipment, expertise and its suitability in the prevailing conditions.
There are expected complications when using drains. It is worth noting that drains are very painful to insert and remove. Maintaining them in position requires careful maneuvers and is also very painful. The tubes rub against tissues lining their path from the wound to the skin or exit. The entry point for the tube is also likely to be attacked by bacteria which are likely to cause infections.
The complication of using a drain worsens as the days go by. The risk of infection rises several folds by the third and fourth day. Nearby tissues are significantly damaged at the time through rubbing. The best way to handle the situation is to place it so that it reaches the wound and the skin through the shortest distance. The route used should also be the safest for the patient. This means that it will exert the least pressure and to the least number of tissues.
It is natural for the body to resist the drain by encasing it. This is because it is regarded as a foreign body. The reaction by the body reduces the effectiveness of the tubes. This is best handled through constant monitoring to ensure that the tube is still functioning optimally. The drains must be labeled clearly to make management consistent.
Strict monitoring of drains is necessary for the success of any procedure. The features that should be noted include the consistency of fluid flow, its color and quantity of drainage. It is expected that the initial drainage will be sanguineous. This is caused by a large quantity of fluid leftovers during surgery. The staff managing the patient should know the kind of flow to expect based on wound location and nature of operation.
There is a gradual reduction in drainage volume as the fluid becomes thinner. This change should be documented and tracked to facilitate intervention if it goes against expectations. Sterile handling techniques should be used at all times ensuring that the work is not delegated to trainees at any one time. Only a qualified surgeon should authorize removal after monitoring the behavior of drainage over time. This eases prediction of the next course of action after determining if the procedure is successful or not.
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