Pages

Tuesday, 10 November 2015

Essential Principles Regarding Surgical Drain Management

----------------------------------------------
------------------------------------------------------------------

By Mattie Knight


The postoperative period is often characterized by accumulation of fluids at the wound. Surgical drain management involves the use of conduit to drain pus, blood or any other fluid from a surgical wound to prevent infection that would otherwise occur if these fluids are left to accumulate. The drain in itself does not lock out infection, neither does it make the wound heal faster. These tubes are usually placed post operatively by qualified medical personnel.

The use of surgical drains is slowly fading due to major advancements in radiological technology. The risks involved have also discouraged their use. Some of these risks include increased chances of infection and reduced mobility of the patient. Clogging can occur anywhere along the tube increasing chances of infection as already mentioned. This means that the tube has to be discarded and another inserted immediately. There are cases however where the use of this drains is inevitable.

These pipes can prove to be extremely vital in some situations. Once they have been inserted, either free flow or suction can used in draining. Total drainage volume should be determined for the purposes of ensuring healing occurs in the right way and no unwanted bleeding takes place. Care should be undertaken frequently through sterile dressing. The drains may be removed after a day or even seven days based on the kind of wound one is dealing with.

These drains can be classified in a number of ways based on their mechanism of action. They can be classified as open or closed. Other methods of classification include active and passive tubes. Drainage in open conduits is not specially contained and this increases chances of infection. Closed tubes minimize infection occurrence since they drain into special containers. Active drains work on the principle of suctioning while passive ones are based on difference in internal and external pressures.

Managing surgical tubes is very important if proper healing is to be achieved. The first step is labeling the drain as per the site and category of fluid to be drained. Some knowledge is however required when it comes to monitoring for changes taking place in the set up. The expected color and consistency depends on what fluid being drained. Any changes outside the standard expectations should be addressed. Interrupted drainage could indicate leakage or clogging and need to be addressed as well.

Any abnormal changes observed should be investigated and appropriate interventions made as soon as possible. These anomalies should also be well documented for future reference. For example a normally yellowish drainage that suddenly becomes red could be an indication of hemorrhage. Also, it is important to address issues such as impaired flow or leakage in the drains.

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.

Protective equipment including such as gloves and a gown should be worn. With a surgical drape next to the wound site, begin by removing the stitches followed by pulling out the suture from the knot end. Next, remove the drain with caution by trying to first loosen. The drain may need to be removed surgically in case of any resistance experienced. Dress the site thereafter and report the outcome




About the Author:



0 comments:

Post a Comment