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Managing A Drain Tube After Surgery - covid-19 tracker

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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.

The nurse managing a patient with drains must assess performance on regular basis. The danger signs to watch-out for include leakage, redness and signs of ooze. When spotted, these danger signs should be brought to the attention of the management team. Drains are always located below the wound to facilitate natural drainage. Vital aspects that need to be documented to ease management include expected drainage, the need for suction and whether it is held in place using a tape or suture.

The management team must be notified of any danger signs observed around the wound. They include tenderness or increased redness around the insertion. They are likely to indicate a growing infection. The nurse needs to take blood samples for more tests. The level of drainage should be closely monitored and recorded on a chart. A blocked tube exposes the wound to haematoma, a very painful and risky condition.

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.

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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