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Updated: Jun 16, 2026

Endoscopic Vacuum Therapy for the Treatment of Anastomotic Leakage after Total Gastrectomy with Esophagojejunostomy
Published on: August 22, 2025
Surgical vacuum drains: types, uses, and complications
Rajaraman Durai1, Philip C H Ng
1University Hospital Lewisham, London, UK.
Abstract:
High- and low-pressure vacuum drains are commonly used after surgical procedures. High-pressure vacuum drains (ie, sealed, closed-circuit systems) are efficient and allow for easy monitoring and safe disposal of the drainage. Low-pressure vacuum drains use gentle pressure to evacuate excess fluid and air, and are easy for patients to manage at home because it is easy to reinstate the vacuum pressure. Perioperative nurses should be able to identify the various types of commonly used drains and their surgical applications. Nurses should know how to care for drains, how to reinstate the vacuum pressure when necessary, and the potential complications that could result from surgical drain use.
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