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There are many types of surgery in which body cavities are opened. Examples include abdominal and chest surgeries. Once such surgeries have been completed, it is common for drain tubes to be left in place for some time. Their role is to facilitate the drainage of fluids such as blood, serous secretions, pus and mucous among others. You need to understand a number of things to be able to effectively handle a drain tube after surgery.
The mechanisms that are involved in the removal of fluids from body cavities after operations fall under two categories: active and passive. The passive process depends on the force of gravity. To utilize this mechanism, a jar is connected to a drain and placed below the level of the patient. The active mechanism, on the other hand, requires some type of suctioning force to be used. The choice of the mechanism depends on the type of operation.
Since the tube remains in position for a couple of days, most of the care takes place in the post-surgical wards. The staff in the ward should inspect the tube and the associated equipment at regular intervals to ensure that it is functioning normally. Some of the things to look out for as soon as the patient is admitted to the ward include inspecting for leakages, signs of infection, blockage and the presence of inflammation.
During subsequent inspection ward rounds, the same routine is repeated; ensuring the tube is not blocked, kinked or knotted. Equally important is to monitor for signs of infection which is a common problem. Signs that are likely to suggest the presence of an infection include elevated body temperatures, increased oozing, redness at the insertion site and tenderness in the same area.
Leakage is likely to be seen if the tube if the incision around the tube is not properly closed to form an air-tight seal. The same may occur if a patient is moved from one place to another. The stop-gap measure in such a situation is to reinforce the incision site with dressing and adhesive tape. If the leakage is too much, secondary closure using sutures may have to be done.
There is a need to properly document all the findings during the scheduled visits. This is important as it helps in assessing the progress being made. The amount of fluid drained each day should be charted to establish whether there is an increase or a reduction. Other things to be documented include the daily body temperature, the color of fluids being drained and the color of the wound among others.
Once the drainage stops or if the amount of fluid collected in 24 hours is less than 25 milliliters, the tube can be safely removed. There is considerable pain associated with this process hence one will be well advised to have some analgesic agents with them. If the tube has remained in position for a prolonged period of time, it may stick to the tissues due to formation of granulation tissue around it.
The patient can be discharged from the hospital once the tube is removed except when other complications have been identified. Antibiotics will be needed for some time to prevent infections even as dressing is continued. If you notice an increase in oozing, experience a fever or notice the insertion area is tender, talk to your doctor.
The mechanisms that are involved in the removal of fluids from body cavities after operations fall under two categories: active and passive. The passive process depends on the force of gravity. To utilize this mechanism, a jar is connected to a drain and placed below the level of the patient. The active mechanism, on the other hand, requires some type of suctioning force to be used. The choice of the mechanism depends on the type of operation.
Since the tube remains in position for a couple of days, most of the care takes place in the post-surgical wards. The staff in the ward should inspect the tube and the associated equipment at regular intervals to ensure that it is functioning normally. Some of the things to look out for as soon as the patient is admitted to the ward include inspecting for leakages, signs of infection, blockage and the presence of inflammation.
During subsequent inspection ward rounds, the same routine is repeated; ensuring the tube is not blocked, kinked or knotted. Equally important is to monitor for signs of infection which is a common problem. Signs that are likely to suggest the presence of an infection include elevated body temperatures, increased oozing, redness at the insertion site and tenderness in the same area.
Leakage is likely to be seen if the tube if the incision around the tube is not properly closed to form an air-tight seal. The same may occur if a patient is moved from one place to another. The stop-gap measure in such a situation is to reinforce the incision site with dressing and adhesive tape. If the leakage is too much, secondary closure using sutures may have to be done.
There is a need to properly document all the findings during the scheduled visits. This is important as it helps in assessing the progress being made. The amount of fluid drained each day should be charted to establish whether there is an increase or a reduction. Other things to be documented include the daily body temperature, the color of fluids being drained and the color of the wound among others.
Once the drainage stops or if the amount of fluid collected in 24 hours is less than 25 milliliters, the tube can be safely removed. There is considerable pain associated with this process hence one will be well advised to have some analgesic agents with them. If the tube has remained in position for a prolonged period of time, it may stick to the tissues due to formation of granulation tissue around it.
The patient can be discharged from the hospital once the tube is removed except when other complications have been identified. Antibiotics will be needed for some time to prevent infections even as dressing is continued. If you notice an increase in oozing, experience a fever or notice the insertion area is tender, talk to your doctor.
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