Surgical Drains: What the Resident Needs To Know

Abstract

Background: Drains continue to be an important aspect of the management of surgical patients. Its use has been contentious. However, when indicated, it is important that drainage should be practiced with prudence. Methods: Publications from both local and international journals through Medline, pub med and Google search (June-August, 2007) were reviewed. Results: Drains remove content of body organs, secretion of body cavities and tissue fluids such as blood, serum, lymph and other body fluid that accumulate in wound bed after surgical procedures. Therefore, reduction of pressure to surgical site as well as adjacent organs, nerves and blood vessels, enhances wound perfusion and wound healing. Reduction of pain is also achieved. However, drains are now known not to be innocuous especially when they are poorly selected, wrongly used and left in situ for too long. Essentially, passive and active drains are the most practically useful type. Conclusion:Understanding the benefits and applications of surgical drains and tissue responses to constituent material is not only relevant to a practicing surgeon but would help to reduce the abuse of surgical drains.

Abdominal infectious complications associated with the dislocation of intraperitoneal part of drainage tube and poor drainage after major surgeries

“…The intra-abdominal part of the tube may be dislocated with changes in the position of patients or of extraabdominal part, even when extra-abdominal fixation is firm. 8 In group 1, the intraabdominal part dislocation was identified by CT, although drainage tube was sutured to the skin firmly, knot did not slip, and the tube did not slip from the abdomen. Thirdly, dislocation of intraabdominal part may be related to the nature of the tube.…”

“…This reduces irritating effects of leaking fluid on the surgical site, adjacent organs, nerves, and blood vessels as well as promotes wound healing. 8 Therefore, abdominal PCD or reoperation is reduced, secondary injury avoided, hospital stay shortened, and hospitalisation costs decreased. 9 In group 2, patients with anastomotic leakage and abdominal infection underwent conservative treatment and discharged.…”

Drain Site Hernia in Adult - Case Report and Review of Literature

“…Drain site hernia is very rare long term complication of drain insertion [3] Previous reports quoted the incidence rate of 0.1-3.4% [4]. Drain site hernias are more common after post open as compared to post laparoscopic surgery.…”

Closed-Incision Negative Pressure Therapy in Place of Surgical Drain Placement in Plantar Fibroma Excision Surgery: A Case Series

“…There has been much research into the most beneficial post-operative wound management, particularly the most effective way to remove fluids such as blood and lymph from the area and keep the incision site clean. When fluids accumulate in the wound area, it can put pressure on the surrounding organs, nerves and vasculature, thus leading to pain and potential impairment of wound healing [9].…”