Surgical Vacuum Drains: Types, Uses, and Complications

Abstract

High- and low-pressure vacuum drains are commonly used after surgical procedures. High-pressure vacuum drains (ie, sealed, closed-circuit systems) are efficient and allow for easy monitoring and safe disposal of the drainage. Low-pressure vacuum drains use gentle pressure to evacuate excess fluid and air, and are easy for patients to manage at home because it is easy to reinstate the vacuum pressure. Perioperative nurses should be able to identify the various types of commonly used drains and their surgical applications. Nurses should know how to care for drains, how to reinstate the vacuum pressure when necessary, and the potential complications that could result from surgical drain use.

Complications and perioperative factors associated with learning the technique of minimally invasive transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion (TLIF)

“…In addition, the open TLIF group required a longer period of drain use (2.18 days vs. 0.56 days), which may increase the incidence of complications associated with the use of surgical drains. 20 The MIS TLIF group required about half the time to ambulation compared to the open TLIF group, which may be attributed to the reduction of soft tissue injury associated with the procedure; however, the time of hospital stay was similar between the two groups.…”

Nurse's guide to surgical drain removal

“…An open drainage system is one that opens to the atmosphere; a closed drainage system empties into some type of collection device and isn't open to the external environment. 3 An example of an open passive drainage system is the flat ribbon-like drain, commonly known as a Penrose drain. This type of drain provides gravity drainage by creating a conduit from the surgical site to an area outside the body.…”

“…Keep the bulb fully inflated so it doesn't exert negative pressure suction during drain removal. 3,8 • If the drain has been sutured in place, remove the sutures per facility policy.…”

Factors affecting the safety of drains and catheters in surgical patients

“…These include fragmentation of the drain in the abdomen, pain, infection, loss of function due to obstruction, perforation of visceral organs and probable problems regarding drain withdrawal (3,4,7,8).…”

“…Drains are used for both prophylactic and therapeutic purposes. The most frequent reason for prophylactic use is to prevent accumulation of liquids such as blood, or lymphatic drainage and air within cavities after surgery (4). Therapeutic purposes include intraoperative or percutaneous abscess drainage.…”