Tips for Managing Surgical Drains

Surgical drains are medical devices placed during surgery to remove excess fluid, blood, or air from a surgical site. They are essential in preventing fluid accumulation, which can lead to complications such as infections, delayed wound healing, or tissue damage. For many patients undergoing major surgeries, the use of surgical drains is crucial in supporting proper healing and ensuring a smooth recovery process.

During surgery, it’s common for the body to produce fluids such as blood, pus, or serous fluid. Without a drain, these fluids can accumulate in the surgical site, creating a favorable environment for infection or forming seromas or hematomas (fluid and blood-filled pockets). These drains are usually placed under the skin, in or around the surgical site, and can remain in place for several days to weeks, depending on the procedure and the patient's healing process. There are two main types of drains for wounds: Open Drains: These allow fluid to exit the body freely and usually require a dressing to absorb the fluids. The Penrose drain is a common example of this type. The second is Closed Drains: These drains use suction to remove fluids and collect them in a reservoir, preventing external exposure. Common examples include Jackson-Pratt drains (JP) and Hemovac drains.

Surgical drainage is used in a variety of situations where fluid accumulation is expected postoperatively. Here are common circumstances:

1. Post-Major Surgeries
• Many types of Breast Cancer Surgery: particularly in mastectomies (surgical removal of the breast) and breast reconstruction surgery, where large amounts of tissue are removed, and fluid buildup can occur in the empty space. Breast removal recovery from mastectomy usually requires drains for about a week or two.
• Abdominal surgeries: such as colectomy (removal of part of the colon), hysterectomies (removal of the uterus), or pancreatic surgeries.
• Thoracic, Vascular and Cardiac Operations: like lung resections or heart surgery, where fluid or air needs to be drained from the chest cavity.
• Orthopedic surgeries: such as joint replacements or spinal surgeries to reduce swelling and fluid accumulation around the operated area.
• Organ Transplants: Drains are often used after organ transplants, such as liver or kidney transplants, to monitor and remove excess fluids around the new organ and detect any signs of bleeding or infection.
• Other surgeries with risk of Seromas and Hematomas: After surgeries that leave empty spaces between layers of tissue, such as liposuction, abdominoplasty (tummy tuck), or large excisions of tumors, surgical drains help prevent the formation of seromas (fluid collections) and hematomas (blood collections).
2. Reconstruction Surgeries
• In reconstructive procedures, like skin grafting or tissue flap surgeries, drains are used to ensure that blood and fluids do not accumulate under the graft or flap, which could compromise the success of the reconstruction.
3. After Trauma or Injury
• Surgical drains may be used following trauma, such as deep wounds or fractures, where there is a risk of blood or fluid accumulating. This is particularly important in cases of soft tissue injuries or after the repair of large wounds where fluid collection could impair healing.
4. Infection and Abscess Management
5. Extensive Wound Debridement

Here are some tips to help you manage your surgical drainage effectively:

• Follow Your Doctor’s Instructions: Always adhere to the guidelines provided by your healthcare provider regarding drain care, including how often to empty and measure the fluid, and when to report any signs of infection.
• Keep the Area Clean and Dry: It’s essential to keep the area around the drain clean and dry to prevent infection. Follow your doctor’s instructions for cleaning the incision site and the area around the drain.
• Wear the Right Clothing: Choose clothing that accommodates your drains without adding to your discomfort. KickIt’s post-surgery pajamas are specifically designed to help you manage your drains with ease while staying comfortable and confident.  Our internal pockets ensure that the drain tubing remains free of kinks, twists and tensions that are essential to proper drainage while keeping them securely fastened to prevent dislodgment.
• Monitor for Signs of Infection: Keep an eye out for any signs of infection, such as redness, swelling, or increased pain around the drain site, as well as fever or unusual drainage. If you notice any of these symptoms, contact your healthcare provider immediately.