Managing A Drain Tube After Surgery
Drains are vital in post-surgery management of wounds. They help in eliminating pus, blood and liquid remnants after an operation. Their use is determined by the preference of the surgeon, the type of operation, expected drainage, resulting wound and if the patient needs drains for proper healing. Management of a drain tube after surgery determines the rate and success of any healing process.
There are different types of drains available for post surgery management. The surgeon will determine the type to be used based on a number of factors. Examples available in the market include include Penrose, Pigtail, Redivac and Jackson-Pratt. Each comes with unique advantages based on the wound being managed. Despite their differences, their management procedures do not vary significantly.
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 treatment team must be notified if the area around the wound becomes red, tender or there is an increase in tenderness. These could be signs of an infection. It is safe to take blood cultures for further investigations. It is the level of output that determines the frequency of recording the amount of drainage. In case the tube is blocked, it will expose your patient to haematoma which is both painful and risky.
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.
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.
It is rare for the tube to be blocked but regular checks are necessary. Discuss with the medical team in case you want to remove the drain. This procedure should also be communicated to the patient including the associated pain. It is carried out when the fluid hits the expected level on the monitoring chart. Proper care of the entry site will protect the wound from infection.
There are different types of drains available for post surgery management. The surgeon will determine the type to be used based on a number of factors. Examples available in the market include include Penrose, Pigtail, Redivac and Jackson-Pratt. Each comes with unique advantages based on the wound being managed. Despite their differences, their management procedures do not vary significantly.
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 treatment team must be notified if the area around the wound becomes red, tender or there is an increase in tenderness. These could be signs of an infection. It is safe to take blood cultures for further investigations. It is the level of output that determines the frequency of recording the amount of drainage. In case the tube is blocked, it will expose your patient to haematoma which is both painful and risky.
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.
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.
It is rare for the tube to be blocked but regular checks are necessary. Discuss with the medical team in case you want to remove the drain. This procedure should also be communicated to the patient including the associated pain. It is carried out when the fluid hits the expected level on the monitoring chart. Proper care of the entry site will protect the wound from infection.
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