The postoperative period is often characterized by accumulation of fluids at the wound. Surgical drain management involves the use of conduit to drain pus, blood or any other fluid from a surgical wound to prevent infection that would otherwise occur if these fluids are left to accumulate. The drain in itself does not lock out infection, neither does it make the wound heal faster. These tubes are usually placed post operatively by qualified medical personnel.
The use of surgical drains is slowly fading due to major advancements in radiological technology. The risks involved have also discouraged their use. Some of these risks include increased chances of infection and reduced mobility of the patient. Clogging can occur anywhere along the tube increasing chances of infection as already mentioned. This means that the tube has to be discarded and another inserted immediately. There are cases however where the use of this drains is inevitable.
Drainage is usually done either through suction or letting the fluids come out naturally. The volume of liquid remove should be continuously monitored and documented. This is to prevent excessive bleeding and to enable proper healing. How long the drains stay anchored range from a day to a week depending on the type of wound. They should be regularly dressed as measure of infection prevention.
Surgical drains can be active or passive. Passive tubes are those which drain naturally, that is, they depend on lower external pressure compared to pressure within the wound. Active tubes rely on suctioning independent of pressure. The conduits can also be termed as open or closed. The external end of open tubing drains into a gauze pad or a bag. Closed tubes are connected to specific containers that hold the fluid in the process of drainage. Closed drains have an advantage of the open ones since they reduce the risk of infection.
An organized approach is key when it comes to taking care of surgical drains. First of all, one needs to label the equipment for easy recognition and to avoid any confusion. Secondly, the site and type of fluid should be identified. In addition to monitoring the quantity, the appearance and consistency should be noted. Under normal circumstances, the fluid initially appears dark red and thick and gradually changes to thin and pink.
For one to be able to pick up any abnormal changes, one needs to understand the expected changes first. At the beginning, the fluid normally appears dark red and becomes brighter as the healing process progresses. Initial bloody appearance may indicate hemorrhage. Sudden stoppage of flow may mean that the system is blocked and needs replacement.
Drain removal, like any other medical procedure requires safety for both the patient and the health care worker. Protective equipment should therefore be available for use including gloves, drapes and dressing, a gown and goggles as appropriate. In addition, a sterile suture removal kit should be at your disposal. Explain to the patient that there will be some discomfort and administer pain relievers to facilitate tolerance.
Stitches should first be undone followed by taking off the suture from the end where the knot was tied. One should attempt loosening the drain first before skilfully pulling it out. This should be done smoothly with no resistance felt. Finally, put your findings down on paper after covering the site.
The use of surgical drains is slowly fading due to major advancements in radiological technology. The risks involved have also discouraged their use. Some of these risks include increased chances of infection and reduced mobility of the patient. Clogging can occur anywhere along the tube increasing chances of infection as already mentioned. This means that the tube has to be discarded and another inserted immediately. There are cases however where the use of this drains is inevitable.
Drainage is usually done either through suction or letting the fluids come out naturally. The volume of liquid remove should be continuously monitored and documented. This is to prevent excessive bleeding and to enable proper healing. How long the drains stay anchored range from a day to a week depending on the type of wound. They should be regularly dressed as measure of infection prevention.
Surgical drains can be active or passive. Passive tubes are those which drain naturally, that is, they depend on lower external pressure compared to pressure within the wound. Active tubes rely on suctioning independent of pressure. The conduits can also be termed as open or closed. The external end of open tubing drains into a gauze pad or a bag. Closed tubes are connected to specific containers that hold the fluid in the process of drainage. Closed drains have an advantage of the open ones since they reduce the risk of infection.
An organized approach is key when it comes to taking care of surgical drains. First of all, one needs to label the equipment for easy recognition and to avoid any confusion. Secondly, the site and type of fluid should be identified. In addition to monitoring the quantity, the appearance and consistency should be noted. Under normal circumstances, the fluid initially appears dark red and thick and gradually changes to thin and pink.
For one to be able to pick up any abnormal changes, one needs to understand the expected changes first. At the beginning, the fluid normally appears dark red and becomes brighter as the healing process progresses. Initial bloody appearance may indicate hemorrhage. Sudden stoppage of flow may mean that the system is blocked and needs replacement.
Drain removal, like any other medical procedure requires safety for both the patient and the health care worker. Protective equipment should therefore be available for use including gloves, drapes and dressing, a gown and goggles as appropriate. In addition, a sterile suture removal kit should be at your disposal. Explain to the patient that there will be some discomfort and administer pain relievers to facilitate tolerance.
Stitches should first be undone followed by taking off the suture from the end where the knot was tied. One should attempt loosening the drain first before skilfully pulling it out. This should be done smoothly with no resistance felt. Finally, put your findings down on paper after covering the site.
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