Basically, after a surgery, there is a chance that fluid might collect in the operative area inside the body. This would create a higher chance for infections and other problems. It is for this reason that surgeons put surgical drains to ensure that the fluid flows out. In order to prevent infections, surgical drain management is essential.
A surgical drain is simply a thin rubber tube inserted in the area of the wound to remove fluids such as blood and pus from the wound. Nevertheless, when inserted they do not cause the wound to heal faster or prevent infections. Instead, they remove the fluid that otherwise promote infections or result in retained blood complications. The doctor gives specific information on when the drain would be removed, but they are generally removed when there is significantly small or no fluid collected.
There are different types of drains that work differently. This includes active or passive surgical drains. Passive drains rely on gravity to take away fluid from wounds, as active drains remain attached to a vacuum device or a wall suction. Surgeons will select the preferred type, which fits the site operated on and the expected drainage.
Drains can present potential problems such as providing a pathway for access to the wound by bacteria hence leading to infections. Generally, there are higher risks of contracting infections from the third to the fourth day. Around this time, there is also a higher risk of mechanical damages to surrounding tissues. Minimizing these risks will require the surgeon to insert drains following the shortest as well as the safest route to the skin. This ensures that there is no great pressure exerted by the drain to the tissues adjacent.
A systematic approach on care and management of drains can significantly reduce complications and the amount of drainage. After the insertion of drains, the drainage is accompanied by blood which is usually dark red and thick coming from the leftover blood after the operation. The fluid decreases as the wound heals and the color of the discharge changes to pink and becomes thinner since there is less blood. When the blood is completely gone, the drainage becomes thin, pale yellow, and eventually slows to trickle.
Drain management is determined by the type, location, and purpose of the drains. Generally, the major reason for surgical drain insertions is the removal of air and fluid from the area of surgery. Therefore, it is essential to take heed to the instructions that a surgeon gives.
To prevent clogs, squeezing the tube may help so that it drains properly. The doctor may give guidelines on when squeezing would be appropriate, for instance, when you notice a clog is preventing fluid drainage. Also, if you notice that there is fluid leakage around the tube going to the skin, squeezing would be a good care management.
Removing the surgical drains is generally done once the drainage has ceased or becomes less than 25 ml/day. However, the duration can be shortened by withdrawing the drains gradually at least 2 cm per day in order to allow the area to heal gradually.
A surgical drain is simply a thin rubber tube inserted in the area of the wound to remove fluids such as blood and pus from the wound. Nevertheless, when inserted they do not cause the wound to heal faster or prevent infections. Instead, they remove the fluid that otherwise promote infections or result in retained blood complications. The doctor gives specific information on when the drain would be removed, but they are generally removed when there is significantly small or no fluid collected.
There are different types of drains that work differently. This includes active or passive surgical drains. Passive drains rely on gravity to take away fluid from wounds, as active drains remain attached to a vacuum device or a wall suction. Surgeons will select the preferred type, which fits the site operated on and the expected drainage.
Drains can present potential problems such as providing a pathway for access to the wound by bacteria hence leading to infections. Generally, there are higher risks of contracting infections from the third to the fourth day. Around this time, there is also a higher risk of mechanical damages to surrounding tissues. Minimizing these risks will require the surgeon to insert drains following the shortest as well as the safest route to the skin. This ensures that there is no great pressure exerted by the drain to the tissues adjacent.
A systematic approach on care and management of drains can significantly reduce complications and the amount of drainage. After the insertion of drains, the drainage is accompanied by blood which is usually dark red and thick coming from the leftover blood after the operation. The fluid decreases as the wound heals and the color of the discharge changes to pink and becomes thinner since there is less blood. When the blood is completely gone, the drainage becomes thin, pale yellow, and eventually slows to trickle.
Drain management is determined by the type, location, and purpose of the drains. Generally, the major reason for surgical drain insertions is the removal of air and fluid from the area of surgery. Therefore, it is essential to take heed to the instructions that a surgeon gives.
To prevent clogs, squeezing the tube may help so that it drains properly. The doctor may give guidelines on when squeezing would be appropriate, for instance, when you notice a clog is preventing fluid drainage. Also, if you notice that there is fluid leakage around the tube going to the skin, squeezing would be a good care management.
Removing the surgical drains is generally done once the drainage has ceased or becomes less than 25 ml/day. However, the duration can be shortened by withdrawing the drains gradually at least 2 cm per day in order to allow the area to heal gradually.
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Learn about surgical drain management and how to record your progress on an excel spreadsheet. To know more, visit this website at http://www.medicaldrain.com.
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