The syringe suction drain - A unique improvisation in rural plastic surgery practice

Abstract

Background: Closed suction drains are often needed in surgical practice. However, they are luxury in rural plastic surgery practice. This study highlights how syringes have become a reliable substitute.
Materials and methods: This is a prospective study of the surgical outcome of patient who had various plastic surgical procedures between January 2010 and June 2011 using various sizes of syringes with feeding tubes/drip set used as drain system.
Result: A total of 43 surgeries that required a drain were done. There were 31(72%) males and 12(28%) females. Of the total number, 10(23.3%) were children. The average duration the drain remained in situ was 48 hours. Drain was effective in 100% of the cases. Apart from a case of drain dislodgement, there was no other complication.
Conclusion: The syringe/feeding tube or drip system can be an effective closed suction drain and a cheap alternative to the conventional vacuum drains especially in rural plastic surgery practice.

Keywords: Syringe, suction drain, rural plastic surgery