Complications of drainage

Several complications, resulting from drainage, are discussed. These include severe tissue reactions, leakage from bowel anastomoses, obstruction and perforation of small or large bowel, herniation, leaving behind a foreign body, severe bleeding and the induction of infection. Several of these complications are illustrated with case histories. Moreover a review of the literature on the subject is given. In view of these complications, the author warns against too liberal or too long drainage procedures.