A surgical drain is a tube used to remove pus, blood or other fluids from a wound. Drains inserted after surgery help the wound to heal faster and assists in preventing infection. Drains may be hooked to wall suction, a portable suction device, or they may be left to drain by gravity. Accurate recording of the volume of drainage as well as the contents is vital to ensure proper healing and monitor for excessive bleeding. Depending on the amount of drainage, a patient may have the drain in place 1 day to weeks. Signs of new infection or copious amounts of drainage should be reported to the health care provider immediately. Drains will have protective dressings that will need to be changed daily/as needed.

Types of drains

• Jackson Pratt - This consists of a tube connected to a see through collection bulb. The bulb has a drainage port which can be opened to remove fluid or air so that the bulb can be squeezed to create suction. The drain should always stay below the area of the wound.
• Penrose drain
• Wound Vac System - Involves the use of enclosed foam and a suction device attached; this is one of the newer types of wound healing/drain devices which promotes faster tissue granulation, often used for large surgical/trauma/non-healing wounds.
• Davol
• Chest tube
• Wound manager

See also

• Wound healing