Whenever a surgical operation involves opening up a body cavity, it is common practice to leave a drain tube in position for a couple of days. This is to facilitate the drainage of various fluids that may accumulate within the cavity. These include blood, serous fluid and pus. Different tubes exist to be used for different types of surgeries and wounds. This article addresses ways of maintaining a drain tube after surgery.
Removal of fluid is done either actively or passively. In passive removal the fluid flows under gravity usually into a jar that is located at a lower level than the patient. The active approach, in contrast, uses a suction machine. The method that is chosen is dependent on the type of surgery that has been performed as well as the consistency and amount of fluid that is expected.
When the patient leaves the operating room and is admitted to the post-operative ward, initial inspection has to be performed. This inspection is meant to assess for signs of oozing, leakage or redness at the site of entry. The drain should be properly secured with a tape or suture. Ensure that the tube is patent and is not kinked or knotted at any point along its length. All these findings should be documented for future references.
Ongoing monitoring should be done in the same manner. Signs of surgical site infection and sepsis should also be assessed. Such signs will include, for instance, redness at the insertion site, oozing and tenderness. If you come notice any of these signs, document and inform the other members that are involved in the treatment of the patient. The next step will be to swab the area and to take a blood sample. The two specimens will be subjected to culture studies.
Observations should ideally be made on a four hourly basis to ensure that the tube is patent. The findings should be documented every time a visit is made. If there is a need to move a patient, check and document the findings before and after the movement has taken place. Blockages cause accumulation of fluids within the cavities and predispose to infections. Effectively, healing is delayed and hospital stay is prolonged.
When a leakage occurs simple interventions such as reinforcement with dressings and adhesive tape are often effective. When the tubes become dislodged or blocked, the surgeon should be informed. On many occasions, replacements are needed with these types of cases. Granulation tissue is another major problem that requires surgical intervention due to adherence.
The tube is usually removed when it stops draining or if the amount of fluid drained in 24 hours is less than 25 milliliters. One of the techniques used is gradual withdrawal (about 2cm) per day so that the insertion site also heals gradually. Take note that if the tube has been in position for a prolonged period of time, it may be difficult to remove. Warn the patient that there will be some discomfort.
The patient may be released from hospital even before they fully recover. Wound dressing is continued so are oral antibiotics. Drainage may continue for a few more days but healing typically occurs within five to seven weeks. Patients should be taught on the danger signs to look out for.
Removal of fluid is done either actively or passively. In passive removal the fluid flows under gravity usually into a jar that is located at a lower level than the patient. The active approach, in contrast, uses a suction machine. The method that is chosen is dependent on the type of surgery that has been performed as well as the consistency and amount of fluid that is expected.
When the patient leaves the operating room and is admitted to the post-operative ward, initial inspection has to be performed. This inspection is meant to assess for signs of oozing, leakage or redness at the site of entry. The drain should be properly secured with a tape or suture. Ensure that the tube is patent and is not kinked or knotted at any point along its length. All these findings should be documented for future references.
Ongoing monitoring should be done in the same manner. Signs of surgical site infection and sepsis should also be assessed. Such signs will include, for instance, redness at the insertion site, oozing and tenderness. If you come notice any of these signs, document and inform the other members that are involved in the treatment of the patient. The next step will be to swab the area and to take a blood sample. The two specimens will be subjected to culture studies.
Observations should ideally be made on a four hourly basis to ensure that the tube is patent. The findings should be documented every time a visit is made. If there is a need to move a patient, check and document the findings before and after the movement has taken place. Blockages cause accumulation of fluids within the cavities and predispose to infections. Effectively, healing is delayed and hospital stay is prolonged.
When a leakage occurs simple interventions such as reinforcement with dressings and adhesive tape are often effective. When the tubes become dislodged or blocked, the surgeon should be informed. On many occasions, replacements are needed with these types of cases. Granulation tissue is another major problem that requires surgical intervention due to adherence.
The tube is usually removed when it stops draining or if the amount of fluid drained in 24 hours is less than 25 milliliters. One of the techniques used is gradual withdrawal (about 2cm) per day so that the insertion site also heals gradually. Take note that if the tube has been in position for a prolonged period of time, it may be difficult to remove. Warn the patient that there will be some discomfort.
The patient may be released from hospital even before they fully recover. Wound dressing is continued so are oral antibiotics. Drainage may continue for a few more days but healing typically occurs within five to seven weeks. Patients should be taught on the danger signs to look out for.
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