When a surgical operation involves a body cavity, there is need for insertion of a drainage tube. The commonest types of surgeries in which this may be needed include orthopedic, general and cardiac operations. There are a number of benefits associated with the placement a drain tube after surgery. These include, reduced rate of infections, and less postoperative pain. The attending surgeon should let you know whether the drain will be required for your specific case.
There various types of fluids that tend to accumulate in surgical wounds. They include serum, lymphatic fluid and blood. An increase in these fluids during the immediate postoperative period causes a buildup in pressure around the surgical site which in turn compromises the blood supply and innervation. With inadequate blood supply to the tissues, wound healing is delayed.
These fluids are rich in proteins that favor the growth of disease causing organisms. This too, is a potential cause of delayed wound healing. Pain is the other complaint that is associated with postoperative fluid accumulation. It is a direct result of increased pressure within the wound especially near the innervated regions. Getting rid of the fluid relieves that pain and reduces the requirement for analgesic drugs.
There are two main methods that are used in the drainage of fluid; passive and active methods. Passive methods rely on the gravitational force to help drain the fluid. The active methods, on the other, hand require an artificial force such as suction or vacuum. The choice of is largely dependent on the amount of fluid that is anticipated as well as the exact surgery that has been performed.
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 the quantity, the other aspects of the fluid that have to be monitored are the consistency and the color. In the first few days, the fluid is usually bloody and thick. With time, it becomes thinner and pink in color before finally turning to pale yellow. If the red color is sustained for too long or if pus is detected immediate intervention should be undertaken as these are indicators of serious complications such as hemorrhage and infections.
When the drains are retained for a long time, there is a risk for granulation tissue formation. This tissue makes it quite difficult to pull out the drain. When this happens, the tube has to be removed surgically. Other complications that may be encountered include, kinking of the tubes, blockage and displacement. The doctor will usually look out for these complications during their daily rounds.
After the removal of the drain, the incision site used for insertion is closed using sutures and then dressed. You can at this point leave the hospital as you continue with antibiotics and analgesic drugs. You need to look out for signs of bleeding or pus drainage from the site.
There various types of fluids that tend to accumulate in surgical wounds. They include serum, lymphatic fluid and blood. An increase in these fluids during the immediate postoperative period causes a buildup in pressure around the surgical site which in turn compromises the blood supply and innervation. With inadequate blood supply to the tissues, wound healing is delayed.
These fluids are rich in proteins that favor the growth of disease causing organisms. This too, is a potential cause of delayed wound healing. Pain is the other complaint that is associated with postoperative fluid accumulation. It is a direct result of increased pressure within the wound especially near the innervated regions. Getting rid of the fluid relieves that pain and reduces the requirement for analgesic drugs.
There are two main methods that are used in the drainage of fluid; passive and active methods. Passive methods rely on the gravitational force to help drain the fluid. The active methods, on the other, hand require an artificial force such as suction or vacuum. The choice of is largely dependent on the amount of fluid that is anticipated as well as the exact surgery that has been performed.
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 the quantity, the other aspects of the fluid that have to be monitored are the consistency and the color. In the first few days, the fluid is usually bloody and thick. With time, it becomes thinner and pink in color before finally turning to pale yellow. If the red color is sustained for too long or if pus is detected immediate intervention should be undertaken as these are indicators of serious complications such as hemorrhage and infections.
When the drains are retained for a long time, there is a risk for granulation tissue formation. This tissue makes it quite difficult to pull out the drain. When this happens, the tube has to be removed surgically. Other complications that may be encountered include, kinking of the tubes, blockage and displacement. The doctor will usually look out for these complications during their daily rounds.
After the removal of the drain, the incision site used for insertion is closed using sutures and then dressed. You can at this point leave the hospital as you continue with antibiotics and analgesic drugs. You need to look out for signs of bleeding or pus drainage from the site.
