| Surgical Drains | |
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The Problem: Almost all surgical drains should be removed at about 48 hours after surgery. |
What We Do: They are normally very easy to remove, sliding out with little resistence after any sutures attaching them to the skin are removed. If a drain does not come out easily, it is best left in place for the surgeon who placed it to deal with. Occasionally, they will be stuck under a bone edge or caught in a deeper suture... After the drain is removed, it is usually best to simply cover the exit site with a clean dressing after washing the area with an antiseptic solution. Drains are not normally sent to the lab but are simply discarded.
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| Authorship: Dr Valerie Taylor | Last Revised: 29 May 2002 |