A preliminary investigation into surgical dressings used over post-operative passive abdominal wound drains

A pilot study was carried out in a city teaching hospital in North West England. This descriptive study focused on patients from general surgical wards who post-operatively had passive abdominal wound drains in situ. The use of sterile drainable plastic bags over these wound drains was investigated. For the purpose of this study such drainage bags were included in the category of surgical dressings. Observations recorded included the type of operation undergone by the patient, length of time the wound drain was in position, frequency of wound drain dressing change and the reason for change. Relevant comments volunteered by patients and nursing staff were also recorded. Nineteen patients, male and female, from three general surgical wards were followed up post-operatively. The study, completed in 4 months, was limited to English speaking patients who were alert and willing to participate. In addition, qualified nursing staff, from the wards where the study was carried out were asked to complete and return a questionnaire related to the project. A variety of problems were found to be associated with the use of sterile drainable plastic bags over Yeates tissue drains and corrugated wound drains and areas where further research is needed are highlighted.