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The veterinary nurse's role in the management of wound drains
Abstract
Wound management is an exciting and well-researched area of veterinary medicine. It is a key area for veterinary nursing involvement from initial management to possible surgical reconstruction. An essential aspect of this is provision of the ideal wound environment to encourage normal and effective wound healing, and to reduce the incidence of wound breakdown and dehiscence. Throughout this clinical review, consideration will be given to the normal process of wound healing and how this can be assisted by drain placement. The types of drain used in practice, in addition to novel drainage techniques, will be considered throughout, as well as the veterinary nurse's role in their management. Comprehensive and accurate knowledge and understanding of different drain types, in addition to their potential applications, can help to ensure more informed veterinary nursing and, in turn, better wound healing and patient outcomes.
Wound management is an exciting area of veterinary medicine and one in which veterinary nurses are assuming greater levels of responsibility. Understanding the pathophysiology and applying knowledge of the wound healing process, in addition to recognising best practice techniques in wound management, is essential for promoting good outcomes for veterinary patients. Practices often treat a number of wounds on a day-to-day basis. Many of these wounds, resulting from traumatic injuries and surgery, will require drains to assist with the healing process by reducing fluid accumulation within dead space. The classification of the wound, and the nature in which it was created, may give rise to various complications. For example, traumatic wounds, such as degloving injuries, are more likely to become infected than a wound created in aseptic surgical conditions (Aldridge, 2015), which could result in dehiscence of the wound edges. Veterinary nurses must apply their knowledge of wound classification and wound healing to direct high standards of nursing care and wound management, including the use of different drains, to reduce these complications. Consideration should also be given to novel drainage techniques and wound management protocols to ensure an evidence-based approach to patient care.
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