Surgical drains are tubes that are usually placed in the body after a surgical operation. The type that will be used in a given situation will be determined by the type of surgery that is being conducted. The kind of management that occurs in the immediate postoperative period is a huge determinant of whether or not the use of these devices will be successful. Every hospital needs to have clear written protocols on surgical drain management.
The main role of drain tubes is to help with the removal of fluid that may be accumulating in different body cavities. The fluid may be blood, serous fluid or pus. If not removed, this fluid may contribute to infection in the cavities in which it is held. Another important function is the removal of excess air (also referred to as dead space). Such air may find its way to the chest cavity and compromise on gaseous exchange.
The surgeon will decide to place a tube in the body depending on their presence and the nature of operation. Among the commonest operations requiring the use of these tubes is breast surgery. Such surgeries are characterized with accumulation of fluid after the operation which significantly increases the risk of infections. Orthopedic surgeries (more so those in which a joint has to be opened) also frequently require the use of drains.
There are various classifications of drain tubes that can be used. One of them is one the basis of whether the tube is open or closed. The open type is that which directs the fluid into a stoma bag or a gauze pad. The closed type, in contrast, drains into a bag or bottle. This is the type that is mostly used in chest and orthopedic operations.
The tubes may also be classified into active and passive types. The active types are those that rely on a suctioning force to work. The passive tubes, in contrast, work under the influence of gravity hence do not need to be connected to a suctioning tube. All that one needs to do is to have the patient placed at a higher level than the collection container. The third classification takes into consideration the material used. Thus we have silicon and rubber tubes.
Patients with drain tubes are first admitted to surgical wards after leaving the operating theater. This is where most of the care relating to the tubes occurs. The medical team in this ward must ensure that the tube is inspected on a regular basis. Ideally, this should take place every four hours. Problems to look out for include leakages, blockages and signs of infection.
During the scheduled inspection rounds the state of the tube and the amount of fluid drained should be recorded. Suctioning is helpful in removing trapped fluid. The pressure needed for this has to be carefully prescribed as too much of it may cause injury to internal organs. There is a need to secure the tube so that it does not dislodge from its position.
The removal of the tubes is done as soon as the output has dropped below 25ml per day. In some other centers 50ml of fluid per day is considered the cut off. The tube can be removed at once or can be removed gently in a gradual manner. This option is considered better as it allows for healing to take place gradually as the tube is pulled out.
The main role of drain tubes is to help with the removal of fluid that may be accumulating in different body cavities. The fluid may be blood, serous fluid or pus. If not removed, this fluid may contribute to infection in the cavities in which it is held. Another important function is the removal of excess air (also referred to as dead space). Such air may find its way to the chest cavity and compromise on gaseous exchange.
The surgeon will decide to place a tube in the body depending on their presence and the nature of operation. Among the commonest operations requiring the use of these tubes is breast surgery. Such surgeries are characterized with accumulation of fluid after the operation which significantly increases the risk of infections. Orthopedic surgeries (more so those in which a joint has to be opened) also frequently require the use of drains.
There are various classifications of drain tubes that can be used. One of them is one the basis of whether the tube is open or closed. The open type is that which directs the fluid into a stoma bag or a gauze pad. The closed type, in contrast, drains into a bag or bottle. This is the type that is mostly used in chest and orthopedic operations.
The tubes may also be classified into active and passive types. The active types are those that rely on a suctioning force to work. The passive tubes, in contrast, work under the influence of gravity hence do not need to be connected to a suctioning tube. All that one needs to do is to have the patient placed at a higher level than the collection container. The third classification takes into consideration the material used. Thus we have silicon and rubber tubes.
Patients with drain tubes are first admitted to surgical wards after leaving the operating theater. This is where most of the care relating to the tubes occurs. The medical team in this ward must ensure that the tube is inspected on a regular basis. Ideally, this should take place every four hours. Problems to look out for include leakages, blockages and signs of infection.
During the scheduled inspection rounds the state of the tube and the amount of fluid drained should be recorded. Suctioning is helpful in removing trapped fluid. The pressure needed for this has to be carefully prescribed as too much of it may cause injury to internal organs. There is a need to secure the tube so that it does not dislodge from its position.
The removal of the tubes is done as soon as the output has dropped below 25ml per day. In some other centers 50ml of fluid per day is considered the cut off. The tube can be removed at once or can be removed gently in a gradual manner. This option is considered better as it allows for healing to take place gradually as the tube is pulled out.
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