Retention of fluids such as pus or blood in wounds can result infection and even more serious complications. Surgical drain management therefore comes in handy if timely prevention of complications is to be achieved. The drain is simply a tube inserted within the wound to keep it fluid free. One should keep in mind that these drains are not used as a means for faster wound healing.
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 open are closed. Closed drains are preferred over the open ones as they minimize the possibility of infection. Open tubes drain on to a stoma bag or gauze. Closed ones drain into a bag or bottle. Examples of closed tubes include orthopedic, abdominal and chest drains. The tubes can also be passive or active. Active ones operate under suction while passive ones are based on negative external pressure.
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.
Any abnormal changes observed should be investigated and appropriate interventions made as soon as possible. These anomalies should also be well documented for future reference. For example a normally yellowish drainage that suddenly becomes red could be an indication of hemorrhage. Also, it is important to address issues such as impaired flow or leakage in the drains.
To remove the tubing, make sure all the requirements are ready beforehand. The main ones include gloves, disposable drapes, a suture removal kit and dressings. Drainage within the last twenty four hours should be recorded to serve as a comparison if further flow occurs. Prepare the patient beforehand regarding the expected discomfort they may experience, analgesics may be required to minimize pain.
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 open are closed. Closed drains are preferred over the open ones as they minimize the possibility of infection. Open tubes drain on to a stoma bag or gauze. Closed ones drain into a bag or bottle. Examples of closed tubes include orthopedic, abdominal and chest drains. The tubes can also be passive or active. Active ones operate under suction while passive ones are based on negative external pressure.
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.
Any abnormal changes observed should be investigated and appropriate interventions made as soon as possible. These anomalies should also be well documented for future reference. For example a normally yellowish drainage that suddenly becomes red could be an indication of hemorrhage. Also, it is important to address issues such as impaired flow or leakage in the drains.
To remove the tubing, make sure all the requirements are ready beforehand. The main ones include gloves, disposable drapes, a suture removal kit and dressings. Drainage within the last twenty four hours should be recorded to serve as a comparison if further flow occurs. Prepare the patient beforehand regarding the expected discomfort they may experience, analgesics may be required to minimize pain.
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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