Drains

Indications

  1. Drain collections
  2. Prevention of collections before they accumulate

Pros:

  1. Drainage removes potential sources of infection
  2. May be early indicator of anastamotic leakage
  3. Leaves a tract for drainage (once removed) 

Cons: 

  1. May increase infections
  2. May induce leakage

Classification

  1. Active / passive
    • Active: Maintained under suction (high or low pressure)
    • Passive: No suction (relies on pressure differences between cavities)
  2. Open / closed
    • Open: Corrugated sheets drains into gauze or bag.  May become infected
    • Closed: Tubed draining into bag.  Less risk of infection
  3. Material
    • Minimal tissue reaction
    • Tissue reaction - eg in biliary surgery

Examples

Chest drains
Abdominal drains
Urinary catheters
VP Shunts / EVDs