Manajemen Drain Pascaoperasi pada Pasien Fraktur Ekstremitas Bawah di Rumah Sakit Umum Pusat H Adam Malik Medan

Abstract

Postoperative drain management is a crucial aspect in surgical patient care, especially in surgical procedures that involve a high risk of fluid accumulation, such as lower extremity fractures. Drains function as mechanical devices to remove blood, exudate, and inflammatory fluid from the surgical wound area which, if left untreated, can cause serious complications such as hematoma, seroma, and surgical site infection. Proper drain placement and effective drain management are essential in supporting the wound healing process, accelerating recovery, and reducing the risk of postoperative complications. Research reviews show that drain management includes several main components, namely: drain placement with aseptic technique, regular monitoring of fluid output, care of the area around the drain with the principle of sterility, and timely removal of the drain based on predetermined clinical criteria. Suboptimal drain management can cause various clinical problems, such as nosocomial infections, drain blockage, or even retention of drain parts in the body that require further intervention. In addition to technical aspects, patient and family education regarding drain care at home is also an integral part of drain management, especially in patients who still use drains when discharged. Proper education can improve patient compliance with treatment, reduce the risk of infection, and help patients recognize signs of complications early.