Basically, surgical drains are tubes which are placed close to the incision after a surgical operation. These drains are intended to remove blood, pus or other fluid, in order to prevent it from accumulating in the body. The drainage system inserted is usually based on the type of surgery, needs of the patient, type of the wound, expected drainage as well as surgeon preference. However, surgical drain management is essential in order to prevent infections.
For quite some time, the use of drains in diverse operations has aimed at good intentions. Generally, the intention has been to decompress fluids or air from surgical areas. These drains help in the prevention of fluids, dead space, and air accumulation and for characterizing the fluid, for instance detecting anastomotic leakage early enough.
There are different kinds of surgical drains. The first is either open drains or closed drains. Open drains are made up of corrugated rubber or plastic sheets and drains into a gauze pad or a stoma bag. These open drains add to the likelihood contracting an infection. Conversely, closed drains consist of tubes that empty to a bag or a bottle. Examples of such drains include chest, abdominal and orthopedic drains. Closed drains cut down the likelihood of contracting infections.
Another type of surgical drain is the active and passive drains. The active drains are usually maintained through a suction that could either be high or low pressure. The passive drains do not have suction and normally works according to the pressure difference that exist between the exterior and the body cavities.
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.
The fundamentals of managing drains depend on the reason for the drains and its location. Consequently, the instructions given by a surgeon as well as his or her preferences ought to be followed. The drain should be secured at all times since cases of dislodgement may occur as the patient is under a transfer. This dislodgement could increase the levels of irritation and the risks of infection. Altogether, fluctuating volumes and fluid character ought to be monitored. This is for the purposes of recognizing complications that could cause leaking of blood or other fluids like pancreatic secretions or bile. Besides, loss of fluids is measured to aid in intravenous fluid replacement.
When the drainage ends or falls below 25 ml per day, the drains ought to be taken off. The drains may as well be shortened through a gradual removal process then permitting gradual healing at the spot. Some discomfort could be perceived as the drain is being removed, this necessitates the use of pain relief ahead of the removed.
Once the drains have been removed, place a dry dressing on the site. Some drainage commonly occurs from the site and this may happen until the wound has healed. Drains left for a prolonged period may become difficult to remove while early removal lowers the likelihood of complications more so infections.
For quite some time, the use of drains in diverse operations has aimed at good intentions. Generally, the intention has been to decompress fluids or air from surgical areas. These drains help in the prevention of fluids, dead space, and air accumulation and for characterizing the fluid, for instance detecting anastomotic leakage early enough.
There are different kinds of surgical drains. The first is either open drains or closed drains. Open drains are made up of corrugated rubber or plastic sheets and drains into a gauze pad or a stoma bag. These open drains add to the likelihood contracting an infection. Conversely, closed drains consist of tubes that empty to a bag or a bottle. Examples of such drains include chest, abdominal and orthopedic drains. Closed drains cut down the likelihood of contracting infections.
Another type of surgical drain is the active and passive drains. The active drains are usually maintained through a suction that could either be high or low pressure. The passive drains do not have suction and normally works according to the pressure difference that exist between the exterior and the body cavities.
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.
The fundamentals of managing drains depend on the reason for the drains and its location. Consequently, the instructions given by a surgeon as well as his or her preferences ought to be followed. The drain should be secured at all times since cases of dislodgement may occur as the patient is under a transfer. This dislodgement could increase the levels of irritation and the risks of infection. Altogether, fluctuating volumes and fluid character ought to be monitored. This is for the purposes of recognizing complications that could cause leaking of blood or other fluids like pancreatic secretions or bile. Besides, loss of fluids is measured to aid in intravenous fluid replacement.
When the drainage ends or falls below 25 ml per day, the drains ought to be taken off. The drains may as well be shortened through a gradual removal process then permitting gradual healing at the spot. Some discomfort could be perceived as the drain is being removed, this necessitates the use of pain relief ahead of the removed.
Once the drains have been removed, place a dry dressing on the site. Some drainage commonly occurs from the site and this may happen until the wound has healed. Drains left for a prolonged period may become difficult to remove while early removal lowers the likelihood of complications more so infections.
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