Proper Surgical Drain Management Procedures
Drains are used in a variety of orthopedic, general surgery and cardiac procedures. Effective surgical drain management will prevent infections, promote faster healing and reduce pain after surgery. Patients who have undergone these procedures need to be managed well to prevent the situation from worsening.
With the existence of different types of drains, each requires unique attention. They are used to get rid of fluids such as blood, serum and lymph which are likely to accumulate on the bed or around the wound. These fluids exert unnecessary pressure on the area where surgery has been conducted causing vessels, nerves and organs to malfunction. The pressure causes a decrease in perfusion which slows down the rate of healing. The area where fluid has buildup is perfect for bacteria buildup.
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.
The use of drains during surgery and healing processes comes with a host of complications. The process of inserting the tube, maintaining it in position and removing it is very painful. Neighboring tissues are destroyed as tubes rub against them. This leads to further complication. The tubes and the area where there is an incision are also prone to bacterial attack leading to infections.
Prolonged use of drains worsen the complications whereby by the third or fourth day the level of risk has escalated several folds. The contact between tubes and tissues along the way causes damage. To reduce the level of damage, the safest and shortest route should be used. This minimizes pressure on the tissues as well as the number of tissues coming into contact.
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.
Regular monitoring is important. Check the color, quality of drainage and consistency. A sanguineous appearance characterizes the initial stages. The fluid is red and thick because of blood leftovers on the area where the operation was carried out. The staff handling the patient should be aware of the type of fluid expected based on the location and type of operation carried out.
With time, the fluid becomes thinner and reduces in volume. The changes should be tracked, documented and reported so that appropriate action can be taken in case of a problem. Care should never be delegated to a trainee and sterile techniques must be used during handling. Removal should only be approved by a qualified surgeon and according to prescribed procedure. The amount of drainage is also recorded for monitoring and comparison so that further action can be taken.
With the existence of different types of drains, each requires unique attention. They are used to get rid of fluids such as blood, serum and lymph which are likely to accumulate on the bed or around the wound. These fluids exert unnecessary pressure on the area where surgery has been conducted causing vessels, nerves and organs to malfunction. The pressure causes a decrease in perfusion which slows down the rate of healing. The area where fluid has buildup is perfect for bacteria buildup.
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.
The use of drains during surgery and healing processes comes with a host of complications. The process of inserting the tube, maintaining it in position and removing it is very painful. Neighboring tissues are destroyed as tubes rub against them. This leads to further complication. The tubes and the area where there is an incision are also prone to bacterial attack leading to infections.
Prolonged use of drains worsen the complications whereby by the third or fourth day the level of risk has escalated several folds. The contact between tubes and tissues along the way causes damage. To reduce the level of damage, the safest and shortest route should be used. This minimizes pressure on the tissues as well as the number of tissues coming into contact.
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.
Regular monitoring is important. Check the color, quality of drainage and consistency. A sanguineous appearance characterizes the initial stages. The fluid is red and thick because of blood leftovers on the area where the operation was carried out. The staff handling the patient should be aware of the type of fluid expected based on the location and type of operation carried out.
With time, the fluid becomes thinner and reduces in volume. The changes should be tracked, documented and reported so that appropriate action can be taken in case of a problem. Care should never be delegated to a trainee and sterile techniques must be used during handling. Removal should only be approved by a qualified surgeon and according to prescribed procedure. The amount of drainage is also recorded for monitoring and comparison so that further action can be taken.
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