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 are of different types. First, they can either be open or closed drains. Open drains includes plastic sheets or corrugated rubber and they drain the fluid into a stoma bag or a gauze pad. The open drains increases the chances of an infection. On the other hand, closed drains are made of tubes which drains into a bottle or a bag. Examples of this drains are orthopedics, chest, and abdominal drains. With closed drains, chances of infections are reduced.
Active or passive drains is another kind of the surgical drains. An active drain is commonly maintained by means of a suction that will be either of high or of low pressure. On the other hand, passive drains have no suction and often work in accordance to the difference in pressure that is between the cavities of the body and the external environment.
The drains can also be silastic or rubber drains. The silastic drains induces minimal tissue reaction since they are relatively inert. However, rubber drains can stimulate intense tissue reaction and in some cases, they can allow tracts to form.
The fundamentals of managing drains depend on the reason for the drains and its location. Consequently, the instructions given by a surgeon as well as his or her preferences ought to be followed. The drain should be secured at all times since cases of dislodgement may occur as the patient is under a transfer. This dislodgement could increase the levels of irritation and the risks of infection. Altogether, fluctuating volumes and fluid character ought to be monitored. This is for the purposes of recognizing complications that could cause leaking of blood or other fluids like pancreatic secretions or bile. Besides, loss of fluids is measured to aid in intravenous fluid replacement.
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 are of different types. First, they can either be open or closed drains. Open drains includes plastic sheets or corrugated rubber and they drain the fluid into a stoma bag or a gauze pad. The open drains increases the chances of an infection. On the other hand, closed drains are made of tubes which drains into a bottle or a bag. Examples of this drains are orthopedics, chest, and abdominal drains. With closed drains, chances of infections are reduced.
Active or passive drains is another kind of the surgical drains. An active drain is commonly maintained by means of a suction that will be either of high or of low pressure. On the other hand, passive drains have no suction and often work in accordance to the difference in pressure that is between the cavities of the body and the external environment.
The drains can also be silastic or rubber drains. The silastic drains induces minimal tissue reaction since they are relatively inert. However, rubber drains can stimulate intense tissue reaction and in some cases, they can allow tracts to form.
The fundamentals of managing drains depend on the reason for the drains and its location. Consequently, the instructions given by a surgeon as well as his or her preferences ought to be followed. The drain should be secured at all times since cases of dislodgement may occur as the patient is under a transfer. This dislodgement could increase the levels of irritation and the risks of infection. Altogether, fluctuating volumes and fluid character ought to be monitored. This is for the purposes of recognizing complications that could cause leaking of blood or other fluids like pancreatic secretions or bile. Besides, loss of fluids is measured to aid in intravenous fluid replacement.
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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