Surgical Drains

A surgical drain is a tube used to decompress or drain either fluid or air from the area of surgery. Drains are often made from inert silastic material. They induce minimal tissue reaction. 

Indication 

• To prevent accumulation of fluid (blood, pus and infected fluids)
• To prevent accumulation of air (dead space)
• To characterise fluid (early identification of anastomotic leakage) 

Types of Surgical Drains

• Open drains : include corrugated rubber or plastic sheets. Drain fluid collects in gauze pad or into stoma bag. Risk of infection increased

• Closed drains : consist of tubes draining into bag or bottle. They include chest, abdominal and orthopaedic drains. Risk of infection is reduced. 
• Active drains : they are maintained under suction and can be under high and low pressure. 
• Passive drains : no suction. function by differntial pressure between body cavities and the exterior. 

Removal 

• Generally drain should be removed once drainage has stopped or becomes less than 30 ml / day