Patients who undergo surgical operations associated with the invasion of body cavities often require drainage tubes postoperatively. This is fairly common following cardiac, general or orthopedic operations. Inserting a drain tube after surgery has a number of benefits that include, among others, promotion of wound healing, prevention of infections and reduction of pain around the surgical site. Your surgeon will always let you know beforehand whether or not such a drain will be required in your case.
The initial postoperative period is typically characterized by an accumulation of various types of fluids. These include blood, serum and lymphatic fluid. As they continue to rise in quantity, they lead to an increase in pressure within the enclosed space. Blood supply (which is essential for wound healing) is cut off. The result is delayed healing of the wound.
The fluid is rich in proteins and provides perfect breeding conditions for bacterial organisms. If not drained, the risk for infection is quite high and this causes a delay in healing of the wound. The other common complication is persistent pain. The pain is a result of pressure that is exerted on surrounding tissues as the fluid increases in quantity. Draining it greatly helps reduce this pain.
Fluid removal is by either by passive or active methods. In the former option, fluid is allowed to flow freely under gravity without the use of any devices. Active removal relies on a suction machine or a vacuum. The choice of which of these two use depends on the type of operation performed and the amount of fluid anticipated. The drain is placed during the operation and one is admitted to the ward for monitoring.
The tube will be removed once the output has reduced significantly. Most surgeons are happy to remove it when the output in 24 hours is 50 ml of fluid or less. Since there is a bit of pain associated with the procedure, you will be issued with some pain relievers. If the drain is in the chest cavity, the nurse will ask you to take a deep breath as the tube is pulled out to prevent the entry of air into the cavity through the opening.
Apart from monitoring the quantity, it is also important to take note of the consistency and the color of the fluid. The fluid is initially bloody and thick but gradually turns to pink and becomes thinner in a few days. Once all the blood has been drained, the result is thin, pale yellow fluid. Any sudden change in these characteristics should be taken as a sign of a serious complication that requires urgent intervention. The cause of such a change may be hemorrhage or infection.
Granulation tissue may form around the tube especially if it has been in place for long period of time. This tissue makes drain removal quite difficult. If this is the case, then surgical removal is indicated. Other complications include tube blockage by tissues, kinking and displacement. Your surgeon will typically inspect the tube on a daily basis to ensure that it remains functional.
When being discharged from hospital, the wound will be closed and dressed. You have to continue with antibiotics for a few more days as instructed by your doctor. Look out for any signs of bleeding or discharge from the wound. Seek immediate medical attention if you notice any such signs.
The initial postoperative period is typically characterized by an accumulation of various types of fluids. These include blood, serum and lymphatic fluid. As they continue to rise in quantity, they lead to an increase in pressure within the enclosed space. Blood supply (which is essential for wound healing) is cut off. The result is delayed healing of the wound.
The fluid is rich in proteins and provides perfect breeding conditions for bacterial organisms. If not drained, the risk for infection is quite high and this causes a delay in healing of the wound. The other common complication is persistent pain. The pain is a result of pressure that is exerted on surrounding tissues as the fluid increases in quantity. Draining it greatly helps reduce this pain.
Fluid removal is by either by passive or active methods. In the former option, fluid is allowed to flow freely under gravity without the use of any devices. Active removal relies on a suction machine or a vacuum. The choice of which of these two use depends on the type of operation performed and the amount of fluid anticipated. The drain is placed during the operation and one is admitted to the ward for monitoring.
The tube will be removed once the output has reduced significantly. Most surgeons are happy to remove it when the output in 24 hours is 50 ml of fluid or less. Since there is a bit of pain associated with the procedure, you will be issued with some pain relievers. If the drain is in the chest cavity, the nurse will ask you to take a deep breath as the tube is pulled out to prevent the entry of air into the cavity through the opening.
Apart from monitoring the quantity, it is also important to take note of the consistency and the color of the fluid. The fluid is initially bloody and thick but gradually turns to pink and becomes thinner in a few days. Once all the blood has been drained, the result is thin, pale yellow fluid. Any sudden change in these characteristics should be taken as a sign of a serious complication that requires urgent intervention. The cause of such a change may be hemorrhage or infection.
Granulation tissue may form around the tube especially if it has been in place for long period of time. This tissue makes drain removal quite difficult. If this is the case, then surgical removal is indicated. Other complications include tube blockage by tissues, kinking and displacement. Your surgeon will typically inspect the tube on a daily basis to ensure that it remains functional.
When being discharged from hospital, the wound will be closed and dressed. You have to continue with antibiotics for a few more days as instructed by your doctor. Look out for any signs of bleeding or discharge from the wound. Seek immediate medical attention if you notice any such signs.
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