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Clin Colon Rectal Surg 2013; 26(03): 174-177
DOI: 10.1055/s-0033-1351134
Thieme Medical Publishers 333 Seventh Avenue, New York, NY 10001, USA.

Use of Intra-Abdominal Drains

Frances J. Puleo
1   Department of Surgery, Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey, Edison, New Jersey
,
Nitin Mishra
1   Department of Surgery, Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey, Edison, New Jersey
,
Jason F. Hall
2   Department of Colon and Rectal Surgery, Lahey Clinic, Burlington, Massachusetts
› Author Affiliations
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Publication History

Publication Date:
19 August 2013 (online)

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Abstract

The use of drains in colorectal surgery has been a subject of debate for several decades. Prophylactic drainage of the peritoneal cavity has become less popular in recent years. This change is due to several studies demonstrating that intraperitoneal drains do not adequately drain the peritoneal cavity and do not prevent or contain anastomotic leaks. Percutaneous drain placement has become the standard of care for patients with intra-abdominal abscesses. Selected anastomotic leaks in the stable patient can also be managed with percutaneous drains. In this article, the authors review in detail the use of drains and the literature to support their use in our everyday practice.

Keywords

colon and rectal surgery - drains - drainage - anastomosis - anastomotic leak
 

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