What is endoscopic drainage?
Endoscopic drainage is an important technique in medicine. Endoscopy uses a soft drainage tube to bring fluids, such as blood, from inside the body to the outside of the body, or from one part to another. This procedure is performed after open surgeries, with the purpose of:
- Draining fluids
- Preventing fluid accumulation at the wound mouth
- Avoiding wound ulcers
- Preventing the risk of infection
- Monitoring post-operative developments through the characteristics of the drainage tube fluid, such as quantity, color, and daily fluid properties.
- Ensuring the drainage system works effectively
Indications for performing endoscopic drainage
As mentioned above, endoscopic drainage is performed after open surgeries. Depending on the nature of the surgical pathology, the placement of endoscopic drainage has different roles.
- Endoscopic drainage for the digestive system: Endoscopic drainage in the digestive system is quite common, and includes endoscopic transluminal drainage, transhepatic gallbladder drainage, and pancreatic pseudocyst drainage.
- Endoscopic drainage for the respiratory system: Used to drain air, blood, or fluid from the pleural cavity. This procedure helps to re-establish negative pressure in the pleural cavity, thereby improving the patient’s respiratory function.
Here are some common applications:
- Treatment of Pancreatic Pseudocysts: These are fluid-filled sacs in the pancreas that can cause pain and discomfort. Endoscopic drainage helps in alleviating these symptoms by draining the cysts effectively.
- Management of Biliary Obstruction: This occurs when there is a blockage in the bile ducts, often due to gallstones or tumors. Endoscopic drainage facilitates the removal of these blockages, restoring normal bile flow.
- Resolution of Abdominal Abscesses: An abscess is a collection of pus that can develop due to infection. Endoscopic techniques can be used to drain these abscesses, reduce infection and promote healing.
How to care for patients with endoscopic drainage
Although endoscopic, this method still causes small, open wounds. Patients need to have a drainage tube placed for 3-5 days. Therefore, wound care is extremely important and should be noted.
- Ensure sterility of the drainage system: Minimize the risk of infection by maintaining sterility of the entire drainage system.
- Place the drainage bag or bottle in a lower position: Make sure that the bag or bottle containing the drainage fluid is always placed lower than the drainage area, about 50 – 60 cm.
- Avoid kinking and blocking the drainage tube: Keep the drainage tube clear, not kinked or blocked to maintain flow.
- Position the patient comfortably: Place the patient in a comfortable position to support the flow of fluid from the drainage tube and avoid unwanted pressure, especially when the patient is sleeping.
- Always keep the drainage tube tip in the lowest position: Make sure that the drainage tube tip is always located in the lowest position of the body, such as the Douglas pouch or seroma, and do not change the position arbitrarily.
- Monitor the nature and quantity of fluid entering and exiting the drainage tube to detect dehydration and other problems early.
- Monitor the amount of fluid entering and exiting: Detect early signs of dehydration such as dry lips, dry oral mucosa, increased thirst, and sunken eyes.
- Ensure nutrition for the patient: Support the patient to maintain fluid balance by encouraging them to drink plenty of water to compensate for fluid loss.
- Remove the drainage tube at the right time: Remove the drainage tube as soon as the treatment goal is achieved or when the required time has expired, avoid leaving the tube in place for too long.
- Encourage regular exercise: Support the patient to perform movements to maintain the flow of fluid from the drainage tube.
- Keep the wound dry and clean: Keep the wound with the drainage tube dry and clean, as well as regularly clean the wound and change the dressing.
- Change the drainage bag daily: Remove and replace the drainage bag daily to ensure hygiene and prevent infection.
- Early detection of complications: Monitor and detect early possible complications such as tube blockage, infection, and other problems related to the drainage tube.
Understanding endoscopic drainage methods, including indications and precautions, helps patients take better care of their wounds and recover quicker. Contact your doctor immediately if you have health problems.
