Surgical operations in which body cavities are opened frequently require the placement of drainage tubes postoperatively. This is commonest with general, orthopedic and cardiac surgeries. There are several benefits realized when using a drain tube after surgery. They include infection prevention, reduced pain and the promotion of wound healing. Your surgeon should mention to you whether or not such a drain will be required for your operation as he obtains your consent for the operation.
There are different types of fluids that accumulate within a wound after an operation. These include blood, lymphatic fluid and serum. As these fluids continue to increase in quantity during the immediate post-operative period, they lead to pressure buildup which compromises the innervation and the blood supply to the healing tissues. Reduced blood supply means that the wound will take much longer to heal hence the need to drain it.
These fluids are rich in proteins that favor the growth of disease causing organisms. This too, is a potential cause of delayed wound healing. Pain is the other complaint that is associated with postoperative fluid accumulation. It is a direct result of increased pressure within the wound especially near the innervated regions. Getting rid of the fluid relieves that pain and reduces the requirement for analgesic drugs.
The methods used to remove accumulated fluid are either passive or active. The passive methods rely on gravity and do not require any devices. Active methods, on the other hand, require the creation of a vacuum or a suction machine. The type that is used is dependent on the exact type of surgery performed as well as the amount of fluid to be drained. Drainage has to be closely monitored which means that you will have to be admitted to the ward for a few days.
There is no fixed duration for which the drain remains in place. Usually, it is removed when the output within 24 hours drops below 50 ml. Removing the tube is a bit painful so you may need some analgesic drugs. If the tube is to be removed from the chest wall, you will be instructed to take a deep breath and to hold your breath. This maneuver helps to prevent air entry into the chest cavity.
Apart from the quantity, the other aspects of the fluid that have to be monitored are the consistency and the color. In the first few days, the fluid is usually bloody and thick. With time, it becomes thinner and pink in color before finally turning to pale yellow. If the red color is sustained for too long or if pus is detected immediate intervention should be undertaken as these are indicators of serious complications such as hemorrhage and infections.
If the drain remains in position for a prolonged period of time, there is a high probability of granulation tissue formation. The granulation tissue makes it difficult to pull out the tube and frequently requires surgical intervention. Other complications that one should look out for include tube blockage, displacement of the tube and kinking. Daily inspection should be focused on looking out for these complications.
The small opening left after the tube has been removed is closed using sutures and dressing. At this point you can be discharged from hospital. You may need to continue taking the antibiotics and analgesic agents depending on how long your stay in hospital was.
There are different types of fluids that accumulate within a wound after an operation. These include blood, lymphatic fluid and serum. As these fluids continue to increase in quantity during the immediate post-operative period, they lead to pressure buildup which compromises the innervation and the blood supply to the healing tissues. Reduced blood supply means that the wound will take much longer to heal hence the need to drain it.
These fluids are rich in proteins that favor the growth of disease causing organisms. This too, is a potential cause of delayed wound healing. Pain is the other complaint that is associated with postoperative fluid accumulation. It is a direct result of increased pressure within the wound especially near the innervated regions. Getting rid of the fluid relieves that pain and reduces the requirement for analgesic drugs.
The methods used to remove accumulated fluid are either passive or active. The passive methods rely on gravity and do not require any devices. Active methods, on the other hand, require the creation of a vacuum or a suction machine. The type that is used is dependent on the exact type of surgery performed as well as the amount of fluid to be drained. Drainage has to be closely monitored which means that you will have to be admitted to the ward for a few days.
There is no fixed duration for which the drain remains in place. Usually, it is removed when the output within 24 hours drops below 50 ml. Removing the tube is a bit painful so you may need some analgesic drugs. If the tube is to be removed from the chest wall, you will be instructed to take a deep breath and to hold your breath. This maneuver helps to prevent air entry into the chest cavity.
Apart from the quantity, the other aspects of the fluid that have to be monitored are the consistency and the color. In the first few days, the fluid is usually bloody and thick. With time, it becomes thinner and pink in color before finally turning to pale yellow. If the red color is sustained for too long or if pus is detected immediate intervention should be undertaken as these are indicators of serious complications such as hemorrhage and infections.
If the drain remains in position for a prolonged period of time, there is a high probability of granulation tissue formation. The granulation tissue makes it difficult to pull out the tube and frequently requires surgical intervention. Other complications that one should look out for include tube blockage, displacement of the tube and kinking. Daily inspection should be focused on looking out for these complications.
The small opening left after the tube has been removed is closed using sutures and dressing. At this point you can be discharged from hospital. You may need to continue taking the antibiotics and analgesic agents depending on how long your stay in hospital was.
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Learn how to care for your drain tube after surgery by following the instructions online. To read the informative tips, visit this medical website now at http://medicaldrain.com.
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