When a surgical operation involves a body cavity, there is need for insertion of a drainage tube. The commonest types of surgeries in which this may be needed include orthopedic, general and cardiac operations. There are a number of benefits associated with the placement a drain tube after surgery. These include, reduced rate of infections, and less postoperative pain. The attending surgeon should let you know whether the drain will be required for your specific case.
There are different types of fluids that accumulate within a wound after an operation. These include blood, lymphatic fluid and serum. As these fluids continue to increase in quantity during the immediate post-operative period, they lead to pressure buildup which compromises the innervation and the blood supply to the healing tissues. Reduced blood supply means that the wound will take much longer to heal hence the need to drain it.
Since the fluids are rich in proteins, they highly favor the growth of bacterial organisms which could in turn lead to infection of the wound. Whenever this happens, the wound takes much longer to heal. Another complication that comes as a result of the fluid is persistent pain. The pain is the result of increased pressure within the region. Removing this fluid significantly reduces the pain.
The methods used to remove accumulated fluid are either passive or active. The passive methods rely on gravity and do not require any devices. Active methods, on the other hand, require the creation of a vacuum or a suction machine. The type that is used is dependent on the exact type of surgery performed as well as the amount of fluid to be drained. Drainage has to be closely monitored which means that you will have to be admitted to the ward for a few days.
Removal of the drain will depend on whether as much of the fluid as possible has been removed. This takes about 24 hours to a few days. Many surgeons will remove the tube when the daily output is 50 ml or less. The procedure of removing the tubes is a bit painful and analgesic drugs are often required to relieve the pain. When a chest tube is being removed, your nurse will instruct you to take a deep breath so as to prevent entry of air through the opening.
Apart from monitoring the quantity, it is also important to take note of the consistency and the color of the fluid. The fluid is initially bloody and thick but gradually turns to pink and becomes thinner in a few days. Once all the blood has been drained, the result is thin, pale yellow fluid. Any sudden change in these characteristics should be taken as a sign of a serious complication that requires urgent intervention. The cause of such a change may be hemorrhage or infection.
When the drains are retained for a long time, there is a risk for granulation tissue formation. This tissue makes it quite difficult to pull out the drain. When this happens, the tube has to be removed surgically. Other complications that may be encountered include, kinking of the tubes, blockage and displacement. The doctor will usually look out for these complications during their daily rounds.
The small opening left after the tube has been removed is closed using sutures and dressing. At this point you can be discharged from hospital. You may need to continue taking the antibiotics and analgesic agents depending on how long your stay in hospital was.
There are different types of fluids that accumulate within a wound after an operation. These include blood, lymphatic fluid and serum. As these fluids continue to increase in quantity during the immediate post-operative period, they lead to pressure buildup which compromises the innervation and the blood supply to the healing tissues. Reduced blood supply means that the wound will take much longer to heal hence the need to drain it.
Since the fluids are rich in proteins, they highly favor the growth of bacterial organisms which could in turn lead to infection of the wound. Whenever this happens, the wound takes much longer to heal. Another complication that comes as a result of the fluid is persistent pain. The pain is the result of increased pressure within the region. Removing this fluid significantly reduces the pain.
The methods used to remove accumulated fluid are either passive or active. The passive methods rely on gravity and do not require any devices. Active methods, on the other hand, require the creation of a vacuum or a suction machine. The type that is used is dependent on the exact type of surgery performed as well as the amount of fluid to be drained. Drainage has to be closely monitored which means that you will have to be admitted to the ward for a few days.
Removal of the drain will depend on whether as much of the fluid as possible has been removed. This takes about 24 hours to a few days. Many surgeons will remove the tube when the daily output is 50 ml or less. The procedure of removing the tubes is a bit painful and analgesic drugs are often required to relieve the pain. When a chest tube is being removed, your nurse will instruct you to take a deep breath so as to prevent entry of air through the opening.
Apart from monitoring the quantity, it is also important to take note of the consistency and the color of the fluid. The fluid is initially bloody and thick but gradually turns to pink and becomes thinner in a few days. Once all the blood has been drained, the result is thin, pale yellow fluid. Any sudden change in these characteristics should be taken as a sign of a serious complication that requires urgent intervention. The cause of such a change may be hemorrhage or infection.
When the drains are retained for a long time, there is a risk for granulation tissue formation. This tissue makes it quite difficult to pull out the drain. When this happens, the tube has to be removed surgically. Other complications that may be encountered include, kinking of the tubes, blockage and displacement. The doctor will usually look out for these complications during their daily rounds.
The small opening left after the tube has been removed is closed using sutures and dressing. At this point you can be discharged from hospital. You may need to continue taking the antibiotics and analgesic agents depending on how long your stay in hospital was.
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