Many surgical operations are usually characterized with fluid formation after the operation. If this fluid is not removed, there is a risk that it could get infected resulting in unwanted effects. The type of tube to be used in a specific case is determined by the type of operation that is conducted. There is need to have proper surgical drain management if the tubes are to serve their purpose.
The general purpose of these tubes is to decompress cavities by allowing for the free flow of fluids. They prevent the accumulation of fluids such as pus, blood and serous fluids. The other important indication is that they help prevent accumulation of air (also known as dead space). Drains may also be inserted when there may be a need to characterize the fluid as the patient continues to recover.
The decision to have a drain is determined by the nature of the operation as well as surgeon preference. One of the surgical operations for which drain tubes are usually needed is breast surgery. There is a huge risk of fluid accumulation in the breast tissue after surgery and having a drain significantly reduces this risk. Orthopedic procedures particularly those in which joint cavities have to be opened also require tubes.
There are various classifications of drain tubes that can be used. One of them is one the basis of whether the tube is open or closed. The open type is that which directs the fluid into a stoma bag or a gauze pad. The closed type, in contrast, drains into a bag or bottle. This is the type that is mostly used in chest and orthopedic operations.
Another classification that may be considered is that of passive and active types of tubes. The former are so termed because the fluid flows freely under gravity. The patient has to be on a higher level than the container used to collect the fluid for this to happen. This is in contrast to active drain types in which a suctioning force is required to remove fluid from the cavity.
Once the patient has been admitted to the ward after surgery, it is important to ensure that the tube is inspected regularly. The ideal time interval should be every four hours. During the inspections, look out for kinking or blockages, signs of infections and the type of fluid being drained. Passage of pus in a situation where there was none previously should be a warning sign that an infection has set in.
During the scheduled inspection rounds the state of the tube and the amount of fluid drained should be recorded. Suctioning is helpful in removing trapped fluid. The pressure needed for this has to be carefully prescribed as too much of it may cause injury to internal organs. There is a need to secure the tube so that it does not dislodge from its position.
The removal of the tubes is done as soon as the output has dropped below 25ml per day. In some other centers 50ml of fluid per day is considered the cut off. The tube can be removed at once or can be removed gently in a gradual manner. This option is considered better as it allows for healing to take place gradually as the tube is pulled out.
The general purpose of these tubes is to decompress cavities by allowing for the free flow of fluids. They prevent the accumulation of fluids such as pus, blood and serous fluids. The other important indication is that they help prevent accumulation of air (also known as dead space). Drains may also be inserted when there may be a need to characterize the fluid as the patient continues to recover.
The decision to have a drain is determined by the nature of the operation as well as surgeon preference. One of the surgical operations for which drain tubes are usually needed is breast surgery. There is a huge risk of fluid accumulation in the breast tissue after surgery and having a drain significantly reduces this risk. Orthopedic procedures particularly those in which joint cavities have to be opened also require tubes.
There are various classifications of drain tubes that can be used. One of them is one the basis of whether the tube is open or closed. The open type is that which directs the fluid into a stoma bag or a gauze pad. The closed type, in contrast, drains into a bag or bottle. This is the type that is mostly used in chest and orthopedic operations.
Another classification that may be considered is that of passive and active types of tubes. The former are so termed because the fluid flows freely under gravity. The patient has to be on a higher level than the container used to collect the fluid for this to happen. This is in contrast to active drain types in which a suctioning force is required to remove fluid from the cavity.
Once the patient has been admitted to the ward after surgery, it is important to ensure that the tube is inspected regularly. The ideal time interval should be every four hours. During the inspections, look out for kinking or blockages, signs of infections and the type of fluid being drained. Passage of pus in a situation where there was none previously should be a warning sign that an infection has set in.
During the scheduled inspection rounds the state of the tube and the amount of fluid drained should be recorded. Suctioning is helpful in removing trapped fluid. The pressure needed for this has to be carefully prescribed as too much of it may cause injury to internal organs. There is a need to secure the tube so that it does not dislodge from its position.
The removal of the tubes is done as soon as the output has dropped below 25ml per day. In some other centers 50ml of fluid per day is considered the cut off. The tube can be removed at once or can be removed gently in a gradual manner. This option is considered better as it allows for healing to take place gradually as the tube is pulled out.
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