Drain (surgery)

A surgical drain is a tube used to remove pus, blood or other fluids from a wound,[1] body cavity, or organ.

After surgery, drains can be placed to remove blood, lymph, or other fluids that accumulate in the wound bed.

An example of an internal drain is a ventriculo-peritoneal shunt, which is a tube that connects ventricles of the brain to the peritoneal cavity.

Accurate recording of the volume of drainage as well as the contents is vital to ensure proper healing and monitor for excessive bleeding.

Drains risk becoming occluded or clogged, resulting in retained fluid that can contribute to infection or other complications.

Surgical drain on the left hand after surgery of Bennett's fracture basis MTC primi manus 1. sin (S62.20) which was treated by alignment of a fracture and inside fixation by two titanium screws MS.
Drainage with bottle after implant removal
Photograph showing a subcutaneous neck drain in the left neck wound