What is
wound drainage?
Wound drainage provides a way for unnecessary body fluids or air
to flow out of the body from a wound.
What is a wound drain?
After surgery, some patients require wound drains such as the one
pictured above. The wound drain is inserted while the patient is in
the operating room receiving general
anesthesia. The purpose of the drain is to remove fluid and/or
blood
from the surgical site. This helps the healing process. Not all
patients need wound drains following surgery. Wound drains are
usually made of plastic. One end is placed within the wound to be
drained and the other end is connected to a suction collection
device. The fluid may be collected in a drainage bag, plastic bulb,
and plastic carton or onto a
dressing.
How long is a wound drain used?
That depends on the type of
surgery and the amount of fluid or
blood
draining from the
wound. The surgeon closely evaluates the
wound drain daily and decides when it should be removed. The
nurses check on the drain frequently and empty it when necessary.
Does the wound drain hurt?
No. Usually the patient does not know that the
wound drain is present unless they are told. The
wound drain may sting when it is removed.
What happens if the patient rolls on it?
Normally nothing happens. Occasionally it may become blocked.
However, the nurses assess the drain frequently to make sure that
this does not happen.
Are there any potential complications
associated with use of a wound drain?
wound drains are usually not associated with significant
complications.
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Wound drain (self-expanding device) to help remove
blood and fluid from the body. |
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Another style wound drain. |
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Wound Drainage 
