General surgeries, cardiac and orthopedic procedures in many cases demand the use of a drain. However, the success of the entire procedure depends on proper surgical drain management. Proper management will reduce the level of pain, promote faster healing and minimize the possibility of infections. Failure to manage the tubes properly will lead to infections that compromise the entire procedure.
The kind of attention given to the drains depends on its type. They are used to carry out lymph, serum and blood, among other fluid materials from a wound or surgery scene. Failure to remove these fluids leads to unnecessary pressure on the surrounding vessels, organs and nerves. This pressure will cause a malfunction. A decrease in perfusion on the area where surgery has been conducted is as a result of pressure. This will affect the rate of healing. Fluid buildup exposes you to bacterial attack.
The fluids can either be drained actively or passively. The use of natural gravity is what is considered as passive. Active drainage requires vacuuming or sanction equipment that are deployed when the need arises. The decision by the surgeon to use active or passive draining technique depends on whether the equipment and operating personnel are available. It must also be the most appropriate procedure at the moment.
There are expected complications when using drains. It is worth noting that drains are very painful to insert and remove. Maintaining them in position requires careful maneuvers and is also very painful. The tubes rub against tissues lining their path from the wound to the skin or exit. The entry point for the tube is also likely to be attacked by bacteria which are likely to cause infections.
The dangers of using a drain get worse with time. By the third or fourth day, the risk of infection has risen several folds. There is significant damage to the tissues that come into contact with the draining tubes. It is advisable to use the shortest and safest route between the wound and the exit. This will reduce pressure on surrounding tissues and minimize the number of organs coming into contact with the tube.
The body responds by encasing drains because they are regarded as foreign bodies. This is likely to reduce its effectiveness. Its function must therefore be monitored as regular as possible. Each tube should be labeled in a distinctive manner for easy identification. Proper labeling eases documentation and ensures consistency in handling.
Strict monitoring of drains is necessary for the success of any procedure. The features that should be noted include the consistency of fluid flow, its color and quantity of drainage. It is expected that the initial drainage will be sanguineous. This is caused by a large quantity of fluid leftovers during surgery. The staff managing the patient should know the kind of flow to expect based on wound location and nature of operation.
There is a gradual reduction in drainage volume as the fluid becomes thinner. This change should be documented and tracked to facilitate intervention if it goes against expectations. Sterile handling techniques should be used at all times ensuring that the work is not delegated to trainees at any one time. Only a qualified surgeon should authorize removal after monitoring the behavior of drainage over time. This eases prediction of the next course of action after determining if the procedure is successful or not.
The kind of attention given to the drains depends on its type. They are used to carry out lymph, serum and blood, among other fluid materials from a wound or surgery scene. Failure to remove these fluids leads to unnecessary pressure on the surrounding vessels, organs and nerves. This pressure will cause a malfunction. A decrease in perfusion on the area where surgery has been conducted is as a result of pressure. This will affect the rate of healing. Fluid buildup exposes you to bacterial attack.
The fluids can either be drained actively or passively. The use of natural gravity is what is considered as passive. Active drainage requires vacuuming or sanction equipment that are deployed when the need arises. The decision by the surgeon to use active or passive draining technique depends on whether the equipment and operating personnel are available. It must also be the most appropriate procedure at the moment.
There are expected complications when using drains. It is worth noting that drains are very painful to insert and remove. Maintaining them in position requires careful maneuvers and is also very painful. The tubes rub against tissues lining their path from the wound to the skin or exit. The entry point for the tube is also likely to be attacked by bacteria which are likely to cause infections.
The dangers of using a drain get worse with time. By the third or fourth day, the risk of infection has risen several folds. There is significant damage to the tissues that come into contact with the draining tubes. It is advisable to use the shortest and safest route between the wound and the exit. This will reduce pressure on surrounding tissues and minimize the number of organs coming into contact with the tube.
The body responds by encasing drains because they are regarded as foreign bodies. This is likely to reduce its effectiveness. Its function must therefore be monitored as regular as possible. Each tube should be labeled in a distinctive manner for easy identification. Proper labeling eases documentation and ensures consistency in handling.
Strict monitoring of drains is necessary for the success of any procedure. The features that should be noted include the consistency of fluid flow, its color and quantity of drainage. It is expected that the initial drainage will be sanguineous. This is caused by a large quantity of fluid leftovers during surgery. The staff managing the patient should know the kind of flow to expect based on wound location and nature of operation.
There is a gradual reduction in drainage volume as the fluid becomes thinner. This change should be documented and tracked to facilitate intervention if it goes against expectations. Sterile handling techniques should be used at all times ensuring that the work is not delegated to trainees at any one time. Only a qualified surgeon should authorize removal after monitoring the behavior of drainage over time. This eases prediction of the next course of action after determining if the procedure is successful or not.
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