A surgical drain serves the purpose of removing fluid from a wound after surgery. Common fluids involved are blood and pus, but other fluids may be present too. Surgical drain management is vital in controlling infection which may occur as a result of accumulation unwanted liquids in a wound. It should however be noted that drainage does not directly hasten the healing process.
Surgical drains are being replaced by better technological methods due to the challenges and risks involved when using these tubes. One the challenges is that the tube blockage can occur anywhere along the tubing thus limiting drainage. In such cases, the drain should be immediately removed and replaced with another since failure to do this may result in sepsis. Another common problem facing their use is that it makes the patient uncomfortable and limits their movement.
Drainage is usually done either through suction or letting the fluids come out naturally. The volume of liquid remove should be continuously monitored and documented. This is to prevent excessive bleeding and to enable proper healing. How long the drains stay anchored range from a day to a week depending on the type of wound. They should be regularly dressed as measure of infection prevention.
Surgical drains can be open are closed. Closed drains are preferred over the open ones as they minimize the possibility of infection. Open tubes drain on to a stoma bag or gauze. Closed ones drain into a bag or bottle. Examples of closed tubes include orthopedic, abdominal and chest drains. The tubes can also be passive or active. Active ones operate under suction while passive ones are based on negative external pressure.
Taking care of surgical drains requires a systemic approach for efficacy is to be achieved. All drains should be labelled depending on the location and type of fluid being drained. Regular monitoring of the drainage system cannot be over emphasized as overlooking this could lead to serious complications. It is important to note the amount, color and viscosity of the liquid. Any changes that do not conform to the standard expectations should be further looked into and appropriate management carried out promptly.
The expected appearance and viscosity in majority of cases differs at the start and towards the end of the procedure. In the initial post surgical period, the fluid tends to be in large quantities, dark reddish and thick attributed to accumulated blood after the operation. With time, the liquid turns brighter, thinner and smaller in volume as recovery progresses. Extremely bloody appearance at the beginning may be an indication of bleeding from within.
Removing a drain requires one to have the equipment read just like in all other procedures. Depending on the condition of the wound, one can wear goggles and a gown but gloves are mandatory. A suture removal kit should be also be available for the procedure. Analgesics can be given to keep the pain and discomfort at a minimum.
With the disposable drape adjacent to the wound site, begin by removing stitches followed by carefully pulling out the suture from the end where the knot is. Slightly loosen the drain to dislodge any tissue that may grown around it then pull it out with caution. If any resistance is met, consider surgical removal. Cover the site the wound site with dressing and document the procedure.
Surgical drains are being replaced by better technological methods due to the challenges and risks involved when using these tubes. One the challenges is that the tube blockage can occur anywhere along the tubing thus limiting drainage. In such cases, the drain should be immediately removed and replaced with another since failure to do this may result in sepsis. Another common problem facing their use is that it makes the patient uncomfortable and limits their movement.
Drainage is usually done either through suction or letting the fluids come out naturally. The volume of liquid remove should be continuously monitored and documented. This is to prevent excessive bleeding and to enable proper healing. How long the drains stay anchored range from a day to a week depending on the type of wound. They should be regularly dressed as measure of infection prevention.
Surgical drains can be open are closed. Closed drains are preferred over the open ones as they minimize the possibility of infection. Open tubes drain on to a stoma bag or gauze. Closed ones drain into a bag or bottle. Examples of closed tubes include orthopedic, abdominal and chest drains. The tubes can also be passive or active. Active ones operate under suction while passive ones are based on negative external pressure.
Taking care of surgical drains requires a systemic approach for efficacy is to be achieved. All drains should be labelled depending on the location and type of fluid being drained. Regular monitoring of the drainage system cannot be over emphasized as overlooking this could lead to serious complications. It is important to note the amount, color and viscosity of the liquid. Any changes that do not conform to the standard expectations should be further looked into and appropriate management carried out promptly.
The expected appearance and viscosity in majority of cases differs at the start and towards the end of the procedure. In the initial post surgical period, the fluid tends to be in large quantities, dark reddish and thick attributed to accumulated blood after the operation. With time, the liquid turns brighter, thinner and smaller in volume as recovery progresses. Extremely bloody appearance at the beginning may be an indication of bleeding from within.
Removing a drain requires one to have the equipment read just like in all other procedures. Depending on the condition of the wound, one can wear goggles and a gown but gloves are mandatory. A suture removal kit should be also be available for the procedure. Analgesics can be given to keep the pain and discomfort at a minimum.
With the disposable drape adjacent to the wound site, begin by removing stitches followed by carefully pulling out the suture from the end where the knot is. Slightly loosen the drain to dislodge any tissue that may grown around it then pull it out with caution. If any resistance is met, consider surgical removal. Cover the site the wound site with dressing and document the procedure.
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