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 process of draining the fluid can either be active or passive. Passive is where natural gravity is used to expel the liquids from the surgery area. Active drainage involves the use of sanction or vacuuming force. The surgeon makes a decision on the procedure to use based on availability of necessary equipment, expertise and its suitability in the prevailing conditions.
The use of drains during surgery and healing processes comes with a host of complications. The process of inserting the tube, maintaining it in position and removing it is very painful. Neighboring tissues are destroyed as tubes rub against them. This leads to further complication. The tubes and the area where there is an incision are also prone to bacterial attack leading to infections.
Prolonged use of drains worsen the complications whereby by the third or fourth day the level of risk has escalated several folds. The contact between tubes and tissues along the way causes damage. To reduce the level of damage, the safest and shortest route should be used. This minimizes pressure on the tissues as well as the number of tissues coming into contact.
It is natural for the body to resist the drain by encasing it. This is because it is regarded as a foreign body. The reaction by the body reduces the effectiveness of the tubes. This is best handled through constant monitoring to ensure that the tube is still functioning optimally. The drains must be labeled clearly to make management consistent.
The drain must be monitored strictly. The quantity of drainage, color and consistency should be recorded. The initial drainage is sanguineous in appearance because of blood leftovers after surgery. This red and thick fluid should change within days as healing takes place. It is upon the managing staff to identify the type of drainage expected depending on the operation carried out and the location of the wound.
The volume of drainage reduces and becomes thinner as the wound heals. Behavior and changes in drainage should be monitored against expectations. This will allows intervention measures in case there is an alarming development. Sterile management is recommended at all times and by a qualified professional. The surgeon authorizes removal based on observations since incision so that the right intervention measures can be taken to promote complete healing.
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 process of draining the fluid can either be active or passive. Passive is where natural gravity is used to expel the liquids from the surgery area. Active drainage involves the use of sanction or vacuuming force. The surgeon makes a decision on the procedure to use based on availability of necessary equipment, expertise and its suitability in the prevailing conditions.
The use of drains during surgery and healing processes comes with a host of complications. The process of inserting the tube, maintaining it in position and removing it is very painful. Neighboring tissues are destroyed as tubes rub against them. This leads to further complication. The tubes and the area where there is an incision are also prone to bacterial attack leading to infections.
Prolonged use of drains worsen the complications whereby by the third or fourth day the level of risk has escalated several folds. The contact between tubes and tissues along the way causes damage. To reduce the level of damage, the safest and shortest route should be used. This minimizes pressure on the tissues as well as the number of tissues coming into contact.
It is natural for the body to resist the drain by encasing it. This is because it is regarded as a foreign body. The reaction by the body reduces the effectiveness of the tubes. This is best handled through constant monitoring to ensure that the tube is still functioning optimally. The drains must be labeled clearly to make management consistent.
The drain must be monitored strictly. The quantity of drainage, color and consistency should be recorded. The initial drainage is sanguineous in appearance because of blood leftovers after surgery. This red and thick fluid should change within days as healing takes place. It is upon the managing staff to identify the type of drainage expected depending on the operation carried out and the location of the wound.
The volume of drainage reduces and becomes thinner as the wound heals. Behavior and changes in drainage should be monitored against expectations. This will allows intervention measures in case there is an alarming development. Sterile management is recommended at all times and by a qualified professional. The surgeon authorizes removal based on observations since incision so that the right intervention measures can be taken to promote complete healing.
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