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.
Generally, tubes help with decompression of body cavities by preventing accumulation of fluid. Such fluid may be serous fluid, blood or pus. Apart from getting rid of fluids, the drains may also help in the removal of unwanted air (or dead space). This may be necessary such as in the case of tension pneumothorax in which excessive air in the chest cavity causes excesses pressure on the lungs.
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 many different classifications that are used for the tubes. The tubes may be classified as being closed or open. The closed type is that in which the fluid drains into a bottle or a bag. The open type is so called because of the fact that both ends are open. The tube empties its contents into a stoma bag or onto a gauze pad. This type has a higher risk of infections.
Another form of classification is that of active and passive tubes. Active drain tubes are those that are connected to a suctioning force. Passive tubes, on the other hand, lack a suctioning force and solely rely on gravity. They require that the patient be placed on a surface above the ground so that the fluid can flow under gravity. The final method of classification is based on the material used (silicon or rubber).
Patients with drain tubes are first admitted to surgical wards after leaving the operating theater. This is where most of the care relating to the tubes occurs. The medical team in this ward must ensure that the tube is inspected on a regular basis. Ideally, this should take place every four hours. Problems to look out for include leakages, blockages and signs of infection.
If there is a lot of fluid trapped in the cavity, a suctioning force can be applied at one end to expedite the process of removal. The pressure has to be prescribed to avoid causing undue injury to structures found within these cavities. It is also important to make sure that the tube is well secured to avoid dislodgement.
Removal of drains is done when they stop draining or when the amount of fluid released in 24 hours is less than 25 ml. Other centers may use a slightly higher value of 50 ml. The removal may be done in one instance or gradually by pulling it from the site steadily over a few days. Proponents of the latter option believe that it helps the insertion site to heal gradually.
Generally, tubes help with decompression of body cavities by preventing accumulation of fluid. Such fluid may be serous fluid, blood or pus. Apart from getting rid of fluids, the drains may also help in the removal of unwanted air (or dead space). This may be necessary such as in the case of tension pneumothorax in which excessive air in the chest cavity causes excesses pressure on the lungs.
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 many different classifications that are used for the tubes. The tubes may be classified as being closed or open. The closed type is that in which the fluid drains into a bottle or a bag. The open type is so called because of the fact that both ends are open. The tube empties its contents into a stoma bag or onto a gauze pad. This type has a higher risk of infections.
Another form of classification is that of active and passive tubes. Active drain tubes are those that are connected to a suctioning force. Passive tubes, on the other hand, lack a suctioning force and solely rely on gravity. They require that the patient be placed on a surface above the ground so that the fluid can flow under gravity. The final method of classification is based on the material used (silicon or rubber).
Patients with drain tubes are first admitted to surgical wards after leaving the operating theater. This is where most of the care relating to the tubes occurs. The medical team in this ward must ensure that the tube is inspected on a regular basis. Ideally, this should take place every four hours. Problems to look out for include leakages, blockages and signs of infection.
If there is a lot of fluid trapped in the cavity, a suctioning force can be applied at one end to expedite the process of removal. The pressure has to be prescribed to avoid causing undue injury to structures found within these cavities. It is also important to make sure that the tube is well secured to avoid dislodgement.
Removal of drains is done when they stop draining or when the amount of fluid released in 24 hours is less than 25 ml. Other centers may use a slightly higher value of 50 ml. The removal may be done in one instance or gradually by pulling it from the site steadily over a few days. Proponents of the latter option believe that it helps the insertion site to heal gradually.
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