Proper Management Of 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.

There exist a variety of drains that can be used in post-surgery treatment. They include the Pigtail, Redivac, Penrose and Jackson-Pratt tubes. Each fits a particular area of the body, type of wound and is used depending on management ease it provides to the treatment team. However, despite the glaring differences, there are general management requirements that apply to all drains.

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 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.

The use of drains should be for the shortest time possible. Keeping drains for too long exposes a patient to infections and the possibility of developing granulation tissues. These complications are very painful and cause trauma during removal. The medical team handling a patient must be informed if you suspect an infection.

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.

Tubes rarely get blocked but it is still necessary to monitor their performance. This should be done in consultation with the team managing the patient. During removal discuss the procedure with the surgeon, the management team and your patient. Patients need to understand the resulting pain and how to take care of any wound at the insertion point. Drains are removed after the flow has hit the expected level. The insertion wound needs proper treatment.




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