[Drainage of the abdominal cavity using a simple and reliable system]

Experience with drains is more than 2000 years old, but instructive. In abdominal surgery nowadays indications for prophylactic drainage are diminishing as peroperative antibiotic administration has a similar effect. Therapeutic drainage is however still important and drainage is also useful after extensive operations, surgery of the lesser pelvis and operations with major bacterial contamination. The authors present their practical experience with a simple system of wrapped drains (Medisillen-Rubena, Brno) and a cover with an adhesive plate (B-Braun-Biotrol) which they used in 660 abdominal drainages with a very good effect.