Saturday, June 20, 2015

Managing A Drain Tube After Surgery

By Freida Michael


Drains are vital in post-surgery management of wounds. They help in eliminating pus, blood and liquid remnants after an operation. Their use is determined by the preference of the surgeon, the type of operation, expected drainage, resulting wound and if the patient needs drains for proper healing. Management of a drain tube after surgery determines the rate and success of any healing process.

It is important to identify the type of drain you are dealing with. The most common types are Jackson-Pratt, Redivac, Pigtail and Penrose. Each of these drains is specially designed for a particular kind of wound or operation. There are advantages of using one in certain circumstances over the other. Depending on its positioning, each type requires specialized attention.

Regular assessment ensures that drains continue their intended work throughout the treatment period. Initial assessment should establish signs of an ooze, redness or leakage around the insertion site. It should be safely located below the wound or point of surgery. For easier management, document the support mechanism which is either tape or suture, the suction needed and the expected drainage from the recovering patient.

The treatment team must be notified in case certain danger signs are detected. These signs include tenderness around the wound and increasing redness. These are signs of an emerging infection that must be contained as soon as possible. Take blood samples and subject them to further tests. A chart should be created to monitor the quantity of drainage. There is the danger of haematoma if the tube gets blocked. This is a very painful and risky health situation.

Drains should remain in place for the least number of days possible. There is a risk of infection if their use is prolonged. Granulation tissues are also likely to develop on the affected area. The tissues are extremely painful and traumatic to any patient. Any signs of infection must be communicated to the treatment and management team.

Proper management of drains requires the assistance of both the patients and relatives or friends assisting with care or regularly interacting with him. Inform them of the right position so that they can alert the management team in case of discrepancy. They also should understand the risks associated with dislodged tubes. Patient must understand the pain associated with any movement and how to minimize it.

The surgeon in charges must be alerted if drainage stops. He will initiate necessary measures to restore the flow in a professional way without hurting or endangering the life of your patient. Quick actions must also be taken in the event of a leakage. There are possibilities of health complications if the leaking fluid gets to other body tissues.

Regular check for blockage though it is a rare occurrence. The plan for removal needs to be discussed by the entire medical team. The patient should know about the procedure and the pain associated with it. The amount of drainage should be monitored and recorded on a chart up to the last minute. The entry site must be treated well to reduce the risks of infection.




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