When a surgical operation involves a body cavity, there is need for insertion of a drainage tube. The commonest types of surgeries in which this may be needed include orthopedic, general and cardiac operations. There are a number of benefits associated with the placement a drain tube after surgery. These include, reduced rate of infections, and less postoperative pain. The attending surgeon should let you know whether the drain will be required for your specific case.
There are different types of fluids that accumulate within a wound after an operation. These include blood, lymphatic fluid and serum. As these fluids continue to increase in quantity during the immediate post-operative period, they lead to pressure buildup which compromises the innervation and the blood supply to the healing tissues. Reduced blood supply means that the wound will take much longer to heal hence the need to drain it.
Since the fluids are rich in proteins, they highly favor the growth of bacterial organisms which could in turn lead to infection of the wound. Whenever this happens, the wound takes much longer to heal. Another complication that comes as a result of the fluid is persistent pain. The pain is the result of increased pressure within the region. Removing this fluid significantly reduces the pain.
The methods used to remove accumulated fluid are either passive or active. The passive methods rely on gravity and do not require any devices. Active methods, on the other hand, require the creation of a vacuum or a suction machine. The type that is used is dependent on the exact type of surgery performed as well as the amount of fluid to be drained. Drainage has to be closely monitored which means that you will have to be admitted to the ward for a few days.
There is no fixed duration for which the drain remains in place. Usually, it is removed when the output within 24 hours drops below 50 ml. Removing the tube is a bit painful so you may need some analgesic drugs. If the tube is to be removed from the chest wall, you will be instructed to take a deep breath and to hold your breath. This maneuver helps to prevent air entry into the chest cavity.
Apart from the quantity, the other aspects of the fluid that have to be monitored are the consistency and the color. In the first few days, the fluid is usually bloody and thick. With time, it becomes thinner and pink in color before finally turning to pale yellow. If the red color is sustained for too long or if pus is detected immediate intervention should be undertaken as these are indicators of serious complications such as hemorrhage and infections.
When the drains are retained for a long time, there is a risk for granulation tissue formation. This tissue makes it quite difficult to pull out the drain. When this happens, the tube has to be removed surgically. Other complications that may be encountered include, kinking of the tubes, blockage and displacement. The doctor will usually look out for these complications during their daily rounds.
The small opening left after the tube has been removed is closed using sutures and dressing. At this point you can be discharged from hospital. You may need to continue taking the antibiotics and analgesic agents depending on how long your stay in hospital was.
There are different types of fluids that accumulate within a wound after an operation. These include blood, lymphatic fluid and serum. As these fluids continue to increase in quantity during the immediate post-operative period, they lead to pressure buildup which compromises the innervation and the blood supply to the healing tissues. Reduced blood supply means that the wound will take much longer to heal hence the need to drain it.
Since the fluids are rich in proteins, they highly favor the growth of bacterial organisms which could in turn lead to infection of the wound. Whenever this happens, the wound takes much longer to heal. Another complication that comes as a result of the fluid is persistent pain. The pain is the result of increased pressure within the region. Removing this fluid significantly reduces the pain.
The methods used to remove accumulated fluid are either passive or active. The passive methods rely on gravity and do not require any devices. Active methods, on the other hand, require the creation of a vacuum or a suction machine. The type that is used is dependent on the exact type of surgery performed as well as the amount of fluid to be drained. Drainage has to be closely monitored which means that you will have to be admitted to the ward for a few days.
There is no fixed duration for which the drain remains in place. Usually, it is removed when the output within 24 hours drops below 50 ml. Removing the tube is a bit painful so you may need some analgesic drugs. If the tube is to be removed from the chest wall, you will be instructed to take a deep breath and to hold your breath. This maneuver helps to prevent air entry into the chest cavity.
Apart from the quantity, the other aspects of the fluid that have to be monitored are the consistency and the color. In the first few days, the fluid is usually bloody and thick. With time, it becomes thinner and pink in color before finally turning to pale yellow. If the red color is sustained for too long or if pus is detected immediate intervention should be undertaken as these are indicators of serious complications such as hemorrhage and infections.
When the drains are retained for a long time, there is a risk for granulation tissue formation. This tissue makes it quite difficult to pull out the drain. When this happens, the tube has to be removed surgically. Other complications that may be encountered include, kinking of the tubes, blockage and displacement. The doctor will usually look out for these complications during their daily rounds.
The small opening left after the tube has been removed is closed using sutures and dressing. At this point you can be discharged from hospital. You may need to continue taking the antibiotics and analgesic agents depending on how long your stay in hospital was.
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Learn how to care for your drain tube after surgery by following the instructions online. To read the informative tips, visit this medical website now at http://medicaldrain.com.
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