Drains are used in a variety of orthopedic, general surgery and cardiac procedures. Effective surgical drain management will prevent infections, promote faster healing and reduce pain after surgery. Patients who have undergone these procedures need to be managed well to prevent the situation from worsening.
With the existence of different types of drains, each requires unique attention. They are used to get rid of fluids such as blood, serum and lymph which are likely to accumulate on the bed or around the wound. These fluids exert unnecessary pressure on the area where surgery has been conducted causing vessels, nerves and organs to malfunction. The pressure causes a decrease in perfusion which slows down the rate of healing. The area where fluid has buildup is perfect for bacteria buildup.
The fluids can either be drained actively or passively. The use of natural gravity is what is considered as passive. Active drainage requires vacuuming or sanction equipment that are deployed when the need arises. The decision by the surgeon to use active or passive draining technique depends on whether the equipment and operating personnel are available. It must also be the most appropriate procedure at the moment.
There are expected complications when using drains. It is worth noting that drains are very painful to insert and remove. Maintaining them in position requires careful maneuvers and is also very painful. The tubes rub against tissues lining their path from the wound to the skin or exit. The entry point for the tube is also likely to be attacked by bacteria which are likely to cause infections.
The dangers of using a drain get worse with time. By the third or fourth day, the risk of infection has risen several folds. There is significant damage to the tissues that come into contact with the draining tubes. It is advisable to use the shortest and safest route between the wound and the exit. This will reduce pressure on surrounding tissues and minimize the number of organs coming into contact with the tube.
The body responds by encasing drains because they are regarded as foreign bodies. This is likely to reduce its effectiveness. Its function must therefore be monitored as regular as possible. Each tube should be labeled in a distinctive manner for easy identification. Proper labeling eases documentation and ensures consistency in handling.
Regular monitoring is important. Check the color, quality of drainage and consistency. A sanguineous appearance characterizes the initial stages. The fluid is red and thick because of blood leftovers on the area where the operation was carried out. The staff handling the patient should be aware of the type of fluid expected based on the location and type of operation carried out.
With time, the fluid becomes thinner and reduces in volume. The changes should be tracked, documented and reported so that appropriate action can be taken in case of a problem. Care should never be delegated to a trainee and sterile techniques must be used during handling. Removal should only be approved by a qualified surgeon and according to prescribed procedure. The amount of drainage is also recorded for monitoring and comparison so that further action can be taken.
With the existence of different types of drains, each requires unique attention. They are used to get rid of fluids such as blood, serum and lymph which are likely to accumulate on the bed or around the wound. These fluids exert unnecessary pressure on the area where surgery has been conducted causing vessels, nerves and organs to malfunction. The pressure causes a decrease in perfusion which slows down the rate of healing. The area where fluid has buildup is perfect for bacteria buildup.
The fluids can either be drained actively or passively. The use of natural gravity is what is considered as passive. Active drainage requires vacuuming or sanction equipment that are deployed when the need arises. The decision by the surgeon to use active or passive draining technique depends on whether the equipment and operating personnel are available. It must also be the most appropriate procedure at the moment.
There are expected complications when using drains. It is worth noting that drains are very painful to insert and remove. Maintaining them in position requires careful maneuvers and is also very painful. The tubes rub against tissues lining their path from the wound to the skin or exit. The entry point for the tube is also likely to be attacked by bacteria which are likely to cause infections.
The dangers of using a drain get worse with time. By the third or fourth day, the risk of infection has risen several folds. There is significant damage to the tissues that come into contact with the draining tubes. It is advisable to use the shortest and safest route between the wound and the exit. This will reduce pressure on surrounding tissues and minimize the number of organs coming into contact with the tube.
The body responds by encasing drains because they are regarded as foreign bodies. This is likely to reduce its effectiveness. Its function must therefore be monitored as regular as possible. Each tube should be labeled in a distinctive manner for easy identification. Proper labeling eases documentation and ensures consistency in handling.
Regular monitoring is important. Check the color, quality of drainage and consistency. A sanguineous appearance characterizes the initial stages. The fluid is red and thick because of blood leftovers on the area where the operation was carried out. The staff handling the patient should be aware of the type of fluid expected based on the location and type of operation carried out.
With time, the fluid becomes thinner and reduces in volume. The changes should be tracked, documented and reported so that appropriate action can be taken in case of a problem. Care should never be delegated to a trainee and sterile techniques must be used during handling. Removal should only be approved by a qualified surgeon and according to prescribed procedure. The amount of drainage is also recorded for monitoring and comparison so that further action can be taken.
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