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Friday, 8 January 2016

Recommended Surgical Drain Management Practices

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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.

Before the start of the entire process, patients are always directed on the how to handle the drain. For instance, when removing these fluids, doctors instruct patients to empty the tube once it is about two thirds full. Regular checks should be done within the first twenty-four hours. This is because the fluid tends to build up faster after the surgery. Once twenty-four hours are over, individuals can continue monitoring the progress after every six hours.

When emptying the bulb, it is advisable to ensure that you wash your hands thoroughly. This is important since it eliminates chances of contaminating the bulb. For instance, doctors usually direct patients to carefully pour the drained fluid into the cup given by the surgeon without touching the inside of the particular bulb. After doing this, they should record some of the important details as instructed by their doctor.

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.




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