Important Surgical Drain Management Guidelines

By Michael McDonald


Surgical operations usually leave some wound in your body. Once these wounds are left after an operation, either pus of some fluids tends to build inside the operated area. After accumulating to certain levels, these fluids may cause some much pain to the patient. In addition, the wounds cannot heal fast once this pus has accumulated. The only assistance that can be accorded to the patients is draining of this fluid from the wound by the use of surgical drain. Whenever handling these tubes, there proper surgical drain management tips which a patient should engage in.

Whenever handling these tubes, there are several guidelines which surgeons are advised to follow. For instance, surgeons are supposed to ensure that they clean or wash they wash their hands before and after performing the operation. This helps to avoid further infections of the injuries that can be passed through the tube into the injuries.

Furthermore, during the process of draining the fluids, patient are advised by their doctors to make sure that the drain is not twisted. If the tube is twisted, the fluid will flow slowly from the wound to the tube. As a result, the process may take a lot of time. Ensuring that there are no twists on the facilitates faster drainage and this makes the process to happen within a short time.

There are some instructions which are usually given to the patients by the doctors regarding how the number of times they should empty the drain. For instance, an individual is supposed to drain the particular tube when it is two-thirds full within24 hours after the surgery. Once 24 hours have elapsed, they should check the progress after every 6 hours. After this, patients can check the progress of the process less often since the fluid becomes less with time.

Emptying the bulb is a step that must be undertaken with a lot of care. The first thing, which should be done, is to ensure that you thoroughly wash your hands with clean water and a suitable detergent. After this, you are supposed to put the fluid that has already been drained into the cup given by the doctor. When pouring these fluids, you should make sure that you do not contaminate the bulb to avoid bacterial infection.

After removing the fluid, it is important that you keep the bulb flat against a surface that is flat. This is done to remove all the air, which might be in the tube. In case the drain is not kept flat are supposed to ensure that the stopper is closed. When closing the stopper, you should ensure that you do contaminate the equipment. You can contact your doctor in case of any difficulties.

Washing the equipment exhaustively is very important after draining these fluids. Patient should clean the equipment using a soap and clean water. After washing them, are supposed to dry and keep them in a safe place as per the instructions given by the doctors.

By use of the loop on the drain, you can attach the particular tube on your clothe according to the instructions given by the doctor. You may either choose to attach it on the outside or inside of your clothes. To avoid pulling of incision by the drain, its advisable to allow some sagging of the drain.




About the Author: