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.
With different types of drains, their management needs vary. It also depends on the liquid they are carrying out including blood, serum and lymph, among others. If the liquids are allowed to remain after surgery, they will lead to unnecessary pressure on the wounded areas causing the surrounding tissues, organs and nerves to malfunction. Pressure causes perfusion which slows down the healing process. Buildup of fluids will cause accumulation of bacteria which is dangerous for your health.
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.
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 complication of using a drain worsens as the days go by. The risk of infection rises several folds by the third and fourth day. Nearby tissues are significantly damaged at the time through rubbing. The best way to handle the situation is to place it so that it reaches the wound and the skin through the shortest distance. The route used should also be the safest for the patient. This means that it will exert the least pressure and to the least number of tissues.
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.
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.
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 different types of drains, their management needs vary. It also depends on the liquid they are carrying out including blood, serum and lymph, among others. If the liquids are allowed to remain after surgery, they will lead to unnecessary pressure on the wounded areas causing the surrounding tissues, organs and nerves to malfunction. Pressure causes perfusion which slows down the healing process. Buildup of fluids will cause accumulation of bacteria which is dangerous for your health.
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.
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 complication of using a drain worsens as the days go by. The risk of infection rises several folds by the third and fourth day. Nearby tissues are significantly damaged at the time through rubbing. The best way to handle the situation is to place it so that it reaches the wound and the skin through the shortest distance. The route used should also be the safest for the patient. This means that it will exert the least pressure and to the least number of tissues.
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.
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.
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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