Drain (surgery)

Drain (surgery)

A drain (pronounced: /dreɪn/) in the context of surgery, is a device that allows for the removal of fluid or gas from a wound or body cavity. The term originates from the Old English 'drēahnian', meaning to draw off liquid.

Types of Drains

There are several types of surgical drains, including:

• Passive Drains: These drains work by creating a pathway for fluid or gas to move from an area of higher pressure to one of lower pressure. Examples include the Penrose Drain and the Jackson-Pratt Drain.

• Active Drains: These drains use a vacuum to actively remove fluid or gas. An example of this is the Hemovac Drain.

Uses

Surgical drains are used in a variety of medical procedures, including:

• Mastectomy: A surgical procedure to remove one or both breasts, often used to treat or prevent breast cancer.

• Abdominal Surgery: Any surgery that involves opening the abdomen.

• Orthopedic Surgery: Surgery that addresses issues in the musculoskeletal system.

Complications

Possible complications of surgical drains include:

• Infection: Bacteria can enter the body through the drain site.

• Bleeding: Blood vessels can be damaged during the insertion of the drain.

• Drain Displacement: The drain can move from its original position, which can lead to ineffective drainage or damage to surrounding tissues.

See Also

• Surgery
• Wound Healing
• Postoperative Care

External links

• Medical encyclopedia article on Drain (surgery)
• Wikipedia's article - Drain (surgery)

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