Drains are used in a variety of orthopedic, general surgery and cardiac procedures. Effective surgical drain management will prevent infections, promote faster healing and reduce pain after surgery. Patients who have undergone these procedures need to be managed well to prevent the situation from worsening.
With the existence of different types of drains, each requires unique attention. They are used to get rid of fluids such as blood, serum and lymph which are likely to accumulate on the bed or around the wound. These fluids exert unnecessary pressure on the area where surgery has been conducted causing vessels, nerves and organs to malfunction. The pressure causes a decrease in perfusion which slows down the rate of healing. The area where fluid has buildup is perfect for bacteria buildup.
The process of draining the fluid can either be active or passive. Passive is where natural gravity is used to expel the liquids from the surgery area. Active drainage involves the use of sanction or vacuuming force. The surgeon makes a decision on the procedure to use based on availability of necessary equipment, expertise and its suitability in the prevailing conditions.
There are complications expected when using drains. The most obvious is the pain involved when going in and out. This makes sitting on the wound and normal maneuvers very painful. It destroys neighboring tissues as it rubs against them. This is likely to complicate the situation further. The situation gets worse when it becomes a path for bacteria to get through to the wound.
The complication of using a drain worsens as the days go by. The risk of infection rises several folds by the third and fourth day. Nearby tissues are significantly damaged at the time through rubbing. The best way to handle the situation is to place it so that it reaches the wound and the skin through the shortest distance. The route used should also be the safest for the patient. This means that it will exert the least pressure and to the least number of tissues.
The body will always resist any foreign body including the tube. This will cause encasing that is likely to reduce the effectiveness of your drain. This calls for constant monitoring so that the tube functions optimally. For easy and effective monitoring, the tubes must be labeled clearly and managed consistently.
Regular monitoring is important. Check the color, quality of drainage and consistency. A sanguineous appearance characterizes the initial stages. The fluid is red and thick because of blood leftovers on the area where the operation was carried out. The staff handling the patient should be aware of the type of fluid expected based on the location and type of operation carried out.
There is a gradual reduction in drainage volume as the fluid becomes thinner. This change should be documented and tracked to facilitate intervention if it goes against expectations. Sterile handling techniques should be used at all times ensuring that the work is not delegated to trainees at any one time. Only a qualified surgeon should authorize removal after monitoring the behavior of drainage over time. This eases prediction of the next course of action after determining if the procedure is successful or not.
With the existence of different types of drains, each requires unique attention. They are used to get rid of fluids such as blood, serum and lymph which are likely to accumulate on the bed or around the wound. These fluids exert unnecessary pressure on the area where surgery has been conducted causing vessels, nerves and organs to malfunction. The pressure causes a decrease in perfusion which slows down the rate of healing. The area where fluid has buildup is perfect for bacteria buildup.
The process of draining the fluid can either be active or passive. Passive is where natural gravity is used to expel the liquids from the surgery area. Active drainage involves the use of sanction or vacuuming force. The surgeon makes a decision on the procedure to use based on availability of necessary equipment, expertise and its suitability in the prevailing conditions.
There are complications expected when using drains. The most obvious is the pain involved when going in and out. This makes sitting on the wound and normal maneuvers very painful. It destroys neighboring tissues as it rubs against them. This is likely to complicate the situation further. The situation gets worse when it becomes a path for bacteria to get through to the wound.
The complication of using a drain worsens as the days go by. The risk of infection rises several folds by the third and fourth day. Nearby tissues are significantly damaged at the time through rubbing. The best way to handle the situation is to place it so that it reaches the wound and the skin through the shortest distance. The route used should also be the safest for the patient. This means that it will exert the least pressure and to the least number of tissues.
The body will always resist any foreign body including the tube. This will cause encasing that is likely to reduce the effectiveness of your drain. This calls for constant monitoring so that the tube functions optimally. For easy and effective monitoring, the tubes must be labeled clearly and managed consistently.
Regular monitoring is important. Check the color, quality of drainage and consistency. A sanguineous appearance characterizes the initial stages. The fluid is red and thick because of blood leftovers on the area where the operation was carried out. The staff handling the patient should be aware of the type of fluid expected based on the location and type of operation carried out.
There is a gradual reduction in drainage volume as the fluid becomes thinner. This change should be documented and tracked to facilitate intervention if it goes against expectations. Sterile handling techniques should be used at all times ensuring that the work is not delegated to trainees at any one time. Only a qualified surgeon should authorize removal after monitoring the behavior of drainage over time. This eases prediction of the next course of action after determining if the procedure is successful or not.
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