How To Monitor A Drain Tube After Surgery
by Brenda Perry
Whenever a body cavity such as the abdomen or chest is operated on, a drain connecting it to the outside is usually left in position. The need for such a drain is particularly high if fluids have been found within the cavity or if they are likely to accumulate after the operation. Such fluids include blood, serous secretions and mucous. While there are numerous benefits of having a <a href="http://www.medicaldrain.com">drain tube after surgery</a>, some complications may set in if the drain is not properly taken care of.
There are two main mechanisms that are involved in removing the fluid: active and passive. The passive process is dependent on gravity. It involves the connection of a jar to the drain and its placement below the level of the patient. This differs from the active process in which a negative suction force has to be applied in the form of a suction machine or vacuum. The choice depends on the type of operation conducted, expected consistency of fluid and surgeon preference.
Since the tube remains in position for a couple of days, most of the care takes place in the post-surgical wards. The staff in the ward should inspect the tube and the associated equipment at regular intervals to ensure that it is functioning normally. Some of the things to look out for as soon as the patient is admitted to the ward include inspecting for leakages, signs of infection, blockage and the presence of inflammation.
The inspections should ideally be done at four hour intervals. The routine is the same every time: ensure that the tube is not kinked or knotted, check for signs of leakage and oozing and to check that there is no blockage. Infections are a common complication and they may be localized or generalized. Elevated fevers, increased tenderness and redness around the insertion site are highly suggestive of infection.
Leakage will occur if the tube is not well fitting into the incision site. To avoid this complication, there should be an airtight seal between the skin and the surgical drain. Frequent movements of patients also increase the risk of having a leakage. Reinforcement with dressing gauze and adhesive tape may act as a temporary solution as plans to have secondary stitching are made.
Documentation is one of the most important exercises in the monitoring process. It ensures that all the members in the healthcare team are up to speed with what is happening even if they are not present during every visit. Making a regular record of the amount of fluid, for instance, will help determine if there is a decrease or an increase.
The tube is usually removed once it stops draining or when the amount that is drained per day reduces to less than 25 milliliters. The removal process may be painful so it is advisable that patients receive some painkillers before it is done. Persons that have had the drain for a prolonged period of time are likely to experience more pain due to the formation of granulation tissue around it. The defect that is left is closed with a few stitches.
Unless there is another problem that requires observation, patients can be released from hospital on the same day that the tube is removed. Antibiotics are usually given for several days as prophylaxis against infections and dressing is also continued. Patients should be warned to come back immediately for evaluation if there is excessive oozing from the site, if they develop a fever or if the area becomes tender and reddened.
When you are looking for the facts about a <a href="http://www.medicaldrain.com">drain tube after surgery</a>, pay a visit to our web pages online here today. Additional details are available at http://www.medicaldrain.com now.
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New Unique Article!
Title: How To Monitor A Drain Tube After Surgery
Author: Brenda Perry
Email: nathanwebster335@live.com
Keywords: drain tube after surgery
Word Count: 593
Category: Disease & Illness
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