Surgical Drains and its Necessity in Elective Abdominal Surgeries a Cross Sectional Study

Abstract

Introduction-

                     Drains usage has been used in surgery for many years to prevent  the accumulation of bodily fluids and improving  body function. The first known use of drains was shown by Hippocrates who applied hollow tubes for the management of empyema. Erasistratus of Alexandria first showed how urinary catheters can be used in surgery while Aurelius Celsius of Rome performed surgeries using lead and brass conical tubes with adjustable plugs for the management of ascites. Claudius Galen also showed usage of leaden tubes for the management of ascites.Drain helps in providing   an opening for body fluids, pus-flakes, blood or debrided materials that obstructs with wound granulation or provides a source for bacterial infection. Review of literature shows assessment has been carried out regarding the impact of the drain on individual surgeries eg. Drain or no drain in colorectal surgeries however a collective assessment regarding abdominal surgeries as a whole has not been done. Therefore the objective of this study was to focus the  usefulness of the precautionary drainage of peritoneum after abdominal surgeries and to study the duration, the quantity  and character of drain and associated  various postoperative complications associated with drains, it’s complications and comorbidities.

METHODS-

All the abdominal surgery cases of both sexes admitted in surgical ward through OPD basis  requiring  elective abdominal surgeries for various abdominal pathologies will be evaluated with detailed history. It is a cross-sectional observational study.

DISCUSSION –

                 Drain usage has increased exponentially in the last decade, however there usage has also been associated with increase in the complications, increased post-operative recovery period as well morbidity.

CONCLUSION-Drain use may lead to similar wound infections,need for additional open procedures for postoperative complications and quality of life scores versus when compared with no drain use.

RESULT-Use of prophylactic drain in abdominal surgeries shows no advantage in helping in reduction of postoperative complications or any other surgical benefit for the same.