The postoperative period is often characterized by accumulation of fluids at the wound. Surgical drain management involves the use of conduit to drain pus, blood or any other fluid from a surgical wound to prevent infection that would otherwise occur if these fluids are left to accumulate. The drain in itself does not lock out infection, neither does it make the wound heal faster. These tubes are usually placed post operatively by qualified medical personnel.
The drains are gradually being replaced with new technology in the market. Not only do they pose t challenge of immobilizing the patient, they also increase the likelihood of infection, which becomes even worse when these tubes get clogged. The need to monitor the system on regular basis can therefore not to be emphasized enough.
Despite this drains being slowly faced out there are circumstances where there are no alternatives. Inserted tubes can last from twenty four hours to a week depending on the type of surgical wound. Routine dressing needs to be done to prevent acquisition of infection. Also, amount of fluid should always be measured to detect any excess bleeding and to ensure good healing process. Drainage is usually done achieved naturally flow or through a suction wall.
These drains can be classified in a number of ways based on their mechanism of action. They can be classified as open or closed. Other methods of classification include active and passive tubes. Drainage in open conduits is not specially contained and this increases chances of infection. Closed tubes minimize infection occurrence since they drain into special containers. Active drains work on the principle of suctioning while passive ones are based on difference in internal and external pressures.
Managing surgical tubes is very important if proper healing is to be achieved. The first step is labeling the drain as per the site and category of fluid to be drained. Some knowledge is however required when it comes to monitoring for changes taking place in the set up. The expected color and consistency depends on what fluid being drained. Any changes outside the standard expectations should be addressed. Interrupted drainage could indicate leakage or clogging and need to be addressed as well.
Any abnormal changes observed should be investigated and appropriate interventions made as soon as possible. These anomalies should also be well documented for future reference. For example a normally yellowish drainage that suddenly becomes red could be an indication of hemorrhage. Also, it is important to address issues such as impaired flow or leakage in the drains.
Drain removal, like any other medical procedure requires safety for both the patient and the health care worker. Protective equipment should therefore be available for use including gloves, drapes and dressing, a gown and goggles as appropriate. In addition, a sterile suture removal kit should be at your disposal. Explain to the patient that there will be some discomfort and administer pain relievers to facilitate tolerance.
Protective equipment including such as gloves and a gown should be worn. With a surgical drape next to the wound site, begin by removing the stitches followed by pulling out the suture from the knot end. Next, remove the drain with caution by trying to first loosen. The drain may need to be removed surgically in case of any resistance experienced. Dress the site thereafter and report the outcome
The drains are gradually being replaced with new technology in the market. Not only do they pose t challenge of immobilizing the patient, they also increase the likelihood of infection, which becomes even worse when these tubes get clogged. The need to monitor the system on regular basis can therefore not to be emphasized enough.
Despite this drains being slowly faced out there are circumstances where there are no alternatives. Inserted tubes can last from twenty four hours to a week depending on the type of surgical wound. Routine dressing needs to be done to prevent acquisition of infection. Also, amount of fluid should always be measured to detect any excess bleeding and to ensure good healing process. Drainage is usually done achieved naturally flow or through a suction wall.
These drains can be classified in a number of ways based on their mechanism of action. They can be classified as open or closed. Other methods of classification include active and passive tubes. Drainage in open conduits is not specially contained and this increases chances of infection. Closed tubes minimize infection occurrence since they drain into special containers. Active drains work on the principle of suctioning while passive ones are based on difference in internal and external pressures.
Managing surgical tubes is very important if proper healing is to be achieved. The first step is labeling the drain as per the site and category of fluid to be drained. Some knowledge is however required when it comes to monitoring for changes taking place in the set up. The expected color and consistency depends on what fluid being drained. Any changes outside the standard expectations should be addressed. Interrupted drainage could indicate leakage or clogging and need to be addressed as well.
Any abnormal changes observed should be investigated and appropriate interventions made as soon as possible. These anomalies should also be well documented for future reference. For example a normally yellowish drainage that suddenly becomes red could be an indication of hemorrhage. Also, it is important to address issues such as impaired flow or leakage in the drains.
Drain removal, like any other medical procedure requires safety for both the patient and the health care worker. Protective equipment should therefore be available for use including gloves, drapes and dressing, a gown and goggles as appropriate. In addition, a sterile suture removal kit should be at your disposal. Explain to the patient that there will be some discomfort and administer pain relievers to facilitate tolerance.
Protective equipment including such as gloves and a gown should be worn. With a surgical drape next to the wound site, begin by removing the stitches followed by pulling out the suture from the knot end. Next, remove the drain with caution by trying to first loosen. The drain may need to be removed surgically in case of any resistance experienced. Dress the site thereafter and report the outcome
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