DRAINS / tubes
Written by Rhiana Devadasan
Drains: a surgical tube used to remove pus, blood or other fluids from a wound.
Uses/Indications:
Prophylactically: to drain anticipated collections (e.g. haematomas, bile leaks, urine leaks)
Therapeutically: to remove collections of pus, blood or other body fluids (e.g. abscess)
- To evacuate existing accumulation of fluid, pus, blood, serous exudates, chyle or bile
- To prevent potential accumulate of fluid
- To eliminate dead space
- Decrease infection
Structure:
- Latex-based material or silicone or red rubber (latex or rubber are better than silicone because the excite more tissue reaction)
Types of Drains / Tubes
- Open drainage
- Include ridged rubber or plastic sheets
- Drain fluid collects in gauze pad or stoma bag
- Increase risk of infection
- Closed drainage
- Consist of tubes draining into a bag or bottle
- Include chest and abdominal drains
- Reduced risk of infection
- Suction drains (Active drains)
- Maintained under suction with either low or high pressure
- Can be open or closed
- Non-suction drains (Passive Drains)
- Drains by means of pressure differentials, overflow and gravity between body cavities and the exterior
- May be open or closed