Surgical drains are used to remove blood, pus or other fluids from an area after an operation. The type of wound, type of surgery, expected drainage, needs of the patient and the preferences of the surgeon determine the type of drain to be used. Successful deployment of a drain tube after surgery depends on how well it is managed. There are simple considerations to ensure that the tubes serve their intended purpose.
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 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.
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.
Proper management of drains should also be taught to relatives and friends interacting with the affected patient besides the recovering patient. This will help them avoid any situation that may affect its performance or cause more pain to the sick person. They should learn to identify danger signs like dislodged drains and communicate with the resident nurse. Their knowledge helps to minimize the chances of dangerous interference.
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.
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 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.
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.
Proper management of drains should also be taught to relatives and friends interacting with the affected patient besides the recovering patient. This will help them avoid any situation that may affect its performance or cause more pain to the sick person. They should learn to identify danger signs like dislodged drains and communicate with the resident nurse. Their knowledge helps to minimize the chances of dangerous interference.
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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