Surgical Drains: What the Resident Needs To Know

ABSTRACT

Background: Drains continue to be an important aspect of the management of surgical patients. Its use has been contentious. However; when indicated; it is important that drainage should be practiced with prudence. Methods: Publications from both local and international journals through Medline; pub med and Google search (June-August; 2007) were reviewed. Results: Drains remove content of body organs; secretion of body cavities and tissue fluids such as blood; serum; lymph and other body fluid that accumulate in wound bed after surgical procedures. Therefore; reduction of pressure to surgical site as well as adjacent organs; nerves and blood vessels; enhances wound perfusion and wound healing. Reduction of pain is also achieved. However; drains are now known not to be innocuous especially when they are poorly selected; wrongly used and left in situ for too long. Essentially; passive and active drains are the most practically useful type.Conclusion: Understanding the benefits and applications of surgical drains and tissue responses to constituent material is not only relevant to a practicing surgeon but would help to reduce the abuse of surgical drains