Surgical drains are tubes placed next to an incision following surgical operations. The purpose of having these drains is to take away blood, pus and other fluids to prevent the accumulating of these fluids inside the body. Any drainage system used will be dependent on the kind of surgery, the type of wound, surgeon preference, patients need and expected drainage. Nevertheless, surgical drain management is vital in the prevention of 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 exist in different categories. First, they could be closed or open drains. Open drains consist of plastic sheets or rubber that is corrugated and will empty the fluids into stoma bags or gauze pads. Open drain raises the chances of getting infections. In contrast, closed drains are made of tubes draining in bottles or bags. An Illustration includes abdominal, orthopedics and chest drains. The chances of being infected are lowered when closed drains are used.
The other category of surgical drains is passive and active drains. Active drains are kept with the aid of suctions that may be low or high in pressure. A passive drain needs no suction, and will work in relation to the variance in pressure between the internal cavities and the exterior.
The drains may as well be rubber or Silastic drains. Silastic drains normally induce negligible tissue reactions, as they are moderately inert. Rubber drains on the other hand, may stimulate severe reaction in the tissues and may permit the formation of tracts.
Management of drains is usually governed by the purpose as well as the location of the drain. Therefore, preferences and instructions of the surgeon should be followed. The drain must remain secured since dislodgment can occur when transferring the patient. Such dislodgement may increase irritation and risk of infection. At the same time, changes in volume and the character of the fluid should be monitored. This is in order to identify arising complications that can result in leaking blood or fluid, especially pancreatic or bile secretions. Also, fluid loss should be measured to help in the intravenous replacement of lost fluids.
The drains should be removed after the drainage goes below 25 ml/day or has stopped. The drains can also be shortened by removing them gradually allowing gradual healing of the site. Some discomfort may be felt when the drains are pulled out raising the need for pain relief before they are removed.
When the drains are finally taken out a dry dressing needs to be put on the healing wound. A bit of drainage may still occur at the site until the wound is completely healed. Drains that are left for extended periods could be tough when removing, as early removal will lessen possible difficulties particularly 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 exist in different categories. First, they could be closed or open drains. Open drains consist of plastic sheets or rubber that is corrugated and will empty the fluids into stoma bags or gauze pads. Open drain raises the chances of getting infections. In contrast, closed drains are made of tubes draining in bottles or bags. An Illustration includes abdominal, orthopedics and chest drains. The chances of being infected are lowered when closed drains are used.
The other category of surgical drains is passive and active drains. Active drains are kept with the aid of suctions that may be low or high in pressure. A passive drain needs no suction, and will work in relation to the variance in pressure between the internal cavities and the exterior.
The drains may as well be rubber or Silastic drains. Silastic drains normally induce negligible tissue reactions, as they are moderately inert. Rubber drains on the other hand, may stimulate severe reaction in the tissues and may permit the formation of tracts.
Management of drains is usually governed by the purpose as well as the location of the drain. Therefore, preferences and instructions of the surgeon should be followed. The drain must remain secured since dislodgment can occur when transferring the patient. Such dislodgement may increase irritation and risk of infection. At the same time, changes in volume and the character of the fluid should be monitored. This is in order to identify arising complications that can result in leaking blood or fluid, especially pancreatic or bile secretions. Also, fluid loss should be measured to help in the intravenous replacement of lost fluids.
The drains should be removed after the drainage goes below 25 ml/day or has stopped. The drains can also be shortened by removing them gradually allowing gradual healing of the site. Some discomfort may be felt when the drains are pulled out raising the need for pain relief before they are removed.
When the drains are finally taken out a dry dressing needs to be put on the healing wound. A bit of drainage may still occur at the site until the wound is completely healed. Drains that are left for extended periods could be tough when removing, as early removal will lessen possible difficulties particularly infections.
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