Wound drain is a tube or a corrugated ribbon which drains secretion from a deep area of the wound to the outside through the skin. It comes out through a separate wound to avoid contamination of the surgical incision. It is usually fixed to the skin by a non absorbable stitch. The removal of the drain is a doctor`s decision.

• The wound of the drain must be dressed as with any other wound.
• The tube of the drain must be clean from any incrustation and disinfected.
• The drained secretions must be examined for its color, odor and quantity.
• Drains are to be left as short as possible.
• The drains of deep wounds must be withdrawn gradually.
• If there is suspicion of infection of the drained fluid, some of it must be sent to the laboratory for culture sensitivity test.
• When the drain is removed, the site is disinfected and a compression bandage must be applied.