Managing A Drain Tube After Surgery

By Freida Michael


The use of drains in post-surgery care ensures that blood, pus and other unwanted fluids do not accumulate around the wound. The factors determining the use of a drain tube after surgery include the expected level of drainage, the type of wound, the healing needs of each patient, type of operation and the preference or judgment of the surgeon in-charge. Its successful use largely depends on management.

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.

Regular assessment ensures that drains continue their intended work throughout the treatment period. Initial assessment should establish signs of an ooze, redness or leakage around the insertion site. It should be safely located below the wound or point of surgery. For easier management, document the support mechanism which is either tape or suture, the suction needed and the expected drainage from the recovering patient.

The management team must be notified of any danger signs observed around the wound. They include tenderness or increased redness around the insertion. They are likely to indicate a growing infection. The nurse needs to take blood samples for more tests. The level of drainage should be closely monitored and recorded on a chart. A blocked tube exposes the wound to haematoma, a very painful and risky condition.

Drains should remain in place for the least number of days possible. There is a risk of infection if their use is prolonged. Granulation tissues are also likely to develop on the affected area. The tissues are extremely painful and traumatic to any patient. Any signs of infection must be communicated to the treatment and management team.

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.

If drainage stops, the situation must be communicated to the supervising surgeon. This will initiate necessary intervention measures to protect the affected patient from complications or other health risks. Another danger that must be communicated is leakage. It is catastrophic if it penetrates to surrounding 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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