Contamination of underwater seal drainage systems in thoracic surgery

The incidence of bacteriological contamination of drainage fluid (water constituting the underwater seal plus drainage effluent) was studied in 38 patients (50 chest drains), up to 6 days after thoracotomy. No bacteriological contamination was demonstrated in any of the samples taken during this period of time. We conclude that the underwater seal drainage system may be left for up to 6 days postoperatively without change of any of its components and without risk of contamination.