New Approach to the Care of Suction Drain Insertion Site by Using Occlusive Transparent Film Dressing .

Kwon, Soon Hong; Oh, Deuk Young; Choi, Youn Suk; Lee, Paik Kwon; Rhie, Jong Won; Han, Ki Taik; Ahn, Sang Tae

Case Report

Journal of the Korean Society of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeons 2006;33(1):131-134.
Published online January 1, 2006.

New Approach to the Care of Suction Drain Insertion Site by Using Occlusive Transparent Film Dressing .

Soon Hong Kwon, Deuk Young Oh, Youn Suk Choi, Paik Kwon Lee, Jong Won Rhie, Ki Taik Han, Sang Tae Ahn

Department of Plastic Surgery, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Korea. ohdeuk1234@hanmail.net

Abstract

The closed suction drain is commonly inserted after various surgical procedures. It has an important role to prevent possible hematoma or seroma that can cause postoperative wound problems. But there is still no consensus on managing the insertion site of suction drain after operation. Suture-tie fixation of drain to skin and classical Y shape gauze dressing is a usually accepted method, but it has many limitations. We introduce a new approach to the care for the insertion site of suction drain by using occlusive transparent film dressing, IV3000(R)(Smith & Nephew, London, UK). By using transparent film, insertion site of drain can be easily checked without removal of dressing. Because it can reduce the tension of suture-tie fixation, it helps to prevent skin injury. Furthermore, occlusive film dressing can block air leakage from insertion site of drain, and the water-proof character of film allows patients to take a shower without dressing change. This new method is more convenient, more efficient, and less harmful to skin than classic one.

Keywords: Suction drainage; Occlusive dressings