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 if the area around the wound becomes red, tender or there is an increase in tenderness. These could be signs of an infection. It is safe to take blood cultures for further investigations. It is the level of output that determines the frequency of recording the amount of drainage. In case the tube is blocked, it will expose your patient to haematoma which is both painful and risky.
Drains should used for the least number of days possible. This will minimize the possibility of infections inside or around the point of insertion. Tube that stay for too long grow granulation tissues growing around them which is a health risk. The team managing the patient should be notified if the wound or point of insertion gets infected.
Patients and relatives or friends coming into regular contact should know how to manage drains. This will make it easier to manage them throughout the treatment period. They need to know such treatment details as right positioning and how to minimize pain during the interaction. Their knowledge of risks associated with dislodged tubes makes it easier to prevent such occurrences. They also must learn to avoid unnecessary movements.
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.
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 if the area around the wound becomes red, tender or there is an increase in tenderness. These could be signs of an infection. It is safe to take blood cultures for further investigations. It is the level of output that determines the frequency of recording the amount of drainage. In case the tube is blocked, it will expose your patient to haematoma which is both painful and risky.
Drains should used for the least number of days possible. This will minimize the possibility of infections inside or around the point of insertion. Tube that stay for too long grow granulation tissues growing around them which is a health risk. The team managing the patient should be notified if the wound or point of insertion gets infected.
Patients and relatives or friends coming into regular contact should know how to manage drains. This will make it easier to manage them throughout the treatment period. They need to know such treatment details as right positioning and how to minimize pain during the interaction. Their knowledge of risks associated with dislodged tubes makes it easier to prevent such occurrences. They also must learn to avoid unnecessary movements.
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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