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Surgical drains are tubes that are usually placed in the body after a surgical operation. The type that will be used in a given situation will be determined by the type of surgery that is being conducted. The kind of management that occurs in the immediate postoperative period is a huge determinant of whether or not the use of these devices will be successful. Every hospital needs to have clear written protocols on surgical drain management.
The general purpose of these tubes is to decompress cavities by allowing for the free flow of fluids. They prevent the accumulation of fluids such as pus, blood and serous fluids. The other important indication is that they help prevent accumulation of air (also known as dead space). Drains may also be inserted when there may be a need to characterize the fluid as the patient continues to recover.
The decision to have a drain is determined by the nature of the operation as well as surgeon preference. One of the surgical operations for which drain tubes are usually needed is breast surgery. There is a huge risk of fluid accumulation in the breast tissue after surgery and having a drain significantly reduces this risk. Orthopedic procedures particularly those in which joint cavities have to be opened also require tubes.
There are many different classifications that are used for the tubes. The tubes may be classified as being closed or open. The closed type is that in which the fluid drains into a bottle or a bag. The open type is so called because of the fact that both ends are open. The tube empties its contents into a stoma bag or onto a gauze pad. This type has a higher risk of infections.
Another form of classification is that of active and passive tubes. Active drain tubes are those that are connected to a suctioning force. Passive tubes, on the other hand, lack a suctioning force and solely rely on gravity. They require that the patient be placed on a surface above the ground so that the fluid can flow under gravity. The final method of classification is based on the material used (silicon or rubber).
Patients with drain tubes are first admitted to surgical wards after leaving the operating theater. This is where most of the care relating to the tubes occurs. The medical team in this ward must ensure that the tube is inspected on a regular basis. Ideally, this should take place every four hours. Problems to look out for include leakages, blockages and signs of infection.
During the scheduled inspection rounds the state of the tube and the amount of fluid drained should be recorded. Suctioning is helpful in removing trapped fluid. The pressure needed for this has to be carefully prescribed as too much of it may cause injury to internal organs. There is a need to secure the tube so that it does not dislodge from its position.
The drain tubes will be removed when they have stopped functioning. In most centers, they will be removed if the 24 hour output is 25ml or less. The tube can be pulled out gently in one instance or can be removed slowly over time. The second option is said to aid in gradual healing of the insertion site. There may be associated pain or discomfort.
The general purpose of these tubes is to decompress cavities by allowing for the free flow of fluids. They prevent the accumulation of fluids such as pus, blood and serous fluids. The other important indication is that they help prevent accumulation of air (also known as dead space). Drains may also be inserted when there may be a need to characterize the fluid as the patient continues to recover.
The decision to have a drain is determined by the nature of the operation as well as surgeon preference. One of the surgical operations for which drain tubes are usually needed is breast surgery. There is a huge risk of fluid accumulation in the breast tissue after surgery and having a drain significantly reduces this risk. Orthopedic procedures particularly those in which joint cavities have to be opened also require tubes.
There are many different classifications that are used for the tubes. The tubes may be classified as being closed or open. The closed type is that in which the fluid drains into a bottle or a bag. The open type is so called because of the fact that both ends are open. The tube empties its contents into a stoma bag or onto a gauze pad. This type has a higher risk of infections.
Another form of classification is that of active and passive tubes. Active drain tubes are those that are connected to a suctioning force. Passive tubes, on the other hand, lack a suctioning force and solely rely on gravity. They require that the patient be placed on a surface above the ground so that the fluid can flow under gravity. The final method of classification is based on the material used (silicon or rubber).
Patients with drain tubes are first admitted to surgical wards after leaving the operating theater. This is where most of the care relating to the tubes occurs. The medical team in this ward must ensure that the tube is inspected on a regular basis. Ideally, this should take place every four hours. Problems to look out for include leakages, blockages and signs of infection.
During the scheduled inspection rounds the state of the tube and the amount of fluid drained should be recorded. Suctioning is helpful in removing trapped fluid. The pressure needed for this has to be carefully prescribed as too much of it may cause injury to internal organs. There is a need to secure the tube so that it does not dislodge from its position.
The drain tubes will be removed when they have stopped functioning. In most centers, they will be removed if the 24 hour output is 25ml or less. The tube can be pulled out gently in one instance or can be removed slowly over time. The second option is said to aid in gradual healing of the insertion site. There may be associated pain or discomfort.
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