Certain types of surgeries (particularly those than involve cavities) require a drainage tube to remain in position for a few days. The drains help in getting rid of fluids such as pus, blood and serous fluid that tend to accumulate within such cavities. There are different types of tubes that exist and the choice depends on the nature of operation, the resultant wound as well as surgeon preference. We will look at how a drain tube after surgery should be maintained.
Removal of fluid is done either actively or passively. In passive removal the fluid flows under gravity usually into a jar that is located at a lower level than the patient. The active approach, in contrast, uses a suction machine. The method that is chosen is dependent on the type of surgery that has been performed as well as the consistency and amount of fluid that is expected.
When the patient leaves the operating room and is admitted to the post-operative ward, initial inspection has to be performed. This inspection is meant to assess for signs of oozing, leakage or redness at the site of entry. The drain should be properly secured with a tape or suture. Ensure that the tube is patent and is not kinked or knotted at any point along its length. All these findings should be documented for future references.
In the subsequent rounds, repeat the same procedure and document. Look out for signs of sepsis and note down if any exist. Such signs include fever, redness at the entry site, tenderness and oozing. Let the other persons that are involved in the management know about such signs as soon as possible. The next step is usually to take a pus swab of the site as well as a blood sample for culture.
Observations should ideally be made on a four hourly basis to ensure that the tube is patent. The findings should be documented every time a visit is made. If there is a need to move a patient, check and document the findings before and after the movement has taken place. Blockages cause accumulation of fluids within the cavities and predispose to infections. Effectively, healing is delayed and hospital stay is prolonged.
If you encounter a leakage, attempt to seal it using dressing reinforcement and more adhesive tape. Dislodgements and blockages are more difficult to deal with. Ensure that the head of the team is informed so that replacement can be done. Granulation tissue is a common cause of blockage and also makes removal difficult. Surgery is often needed.
The tube is usually removed when it stops draining or if the amount of fluid drained in 24 hours is less than 25 milliliters. One of the techniques used is gradual withdrawal (about 2cm) per day so that the insertion site also heals gradually. Take note that if the tube has been in position for a prolonged period of time, it may be difficult to remove. Warn the patient that there will be some discomfort.
The patient may be discharged from hospital as soon as the drain is removed. Dressing will go on until healing has taken place. Fluid may continue to leak but this should not be a cause for concern unless the volume increases or an infection sets in. The danger signs should be clearly communicated to the patient.
Removal of fluid is done either actively or passively. In passive removal the fluid flows under gravity usually into a jar that is located at a lower level than the patient. The active approach, in contrast, uses a suction machine. The method that is chosen is dependent on the type of surgery that has been performed as well as the consistency and amount of fluid that is expected.
When the patient leaves the operating room and is admitted to the post-operative ward, initial inspection has to be performed. This inspection is meant to assess for signs of oozing, leakage or redness at the site of entry. The drain should be properly secured with a tape or suture. Ensure that the tube is patent and is not kinked or knotted at any point along its length. All these findings should be documented for future references.
In the subsequent rounds, repeat the same procedure and document. Look out for signs of sepsis and note down if any exist. Such signs include fever, redness at the entry site, tenderness and oozing. Let the other persons that are involved in the management know about such signs as soon as possible. The next step is usually to take a pus swab of the site as well as a blood sample for culture.
Observations should ideally be made on a four hourly basis to ensure that the tube is patent. The findings should be documented every time a visit is made. If there is a need to move a patient, check and document the findings before and after the movement has taken place. Blockages cause accumulation of fluids within the cavities and predispose to infections. Effectively, healing is delayed and hospital stay is prolonged.
If you encounter a leakage, attempt to seal it using dressing reinforcement and more adhesive tape. Dislodgements and blockages are more difficult to deal with. Ensure that the head of the team is informed so that replacement can be done. Granulation tissue is a common cause of blockage and also makes removal difficult. Surgery is often needed.
The tube is usually removed when it stops draining or if the amount of fluid drained in 24 hours is less than 25 milliliters. One of the techniques used is gradual withdrawal (about 2cm) per day so that the insertion site also heals gradually. Take note that if the tube has been in position for a prolonged period of time, it may be difficult to remove. Warn the patient that there will be some discomfort.
The patient may be discharged from hospital as soon as the drain is removed. Dressing will go on until healing has taken place. Fluid may continue to leak but this should not be a cause for concern unless the volume increases or an infection sets in. The danger signs should be clearly communicated to the patient.
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