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Once the mattress sutures are in place, removal of the drain is straightforward.
Equipment Method Seldinger drains
Equipment
Dressing pack
Sterile scissors
Sterile gauze
Chlorhexidine/iodine for cleaning
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Method
Remove dressings from around the drain.
Clean the entire area with iodine or chlorhexidine.
Cut free the ties to the drain from side sutures, but do not untie the sutures holding the skin together.
Ask the patient to breathe in deeply and expire fully. Get your assistant to pull the drain out while you pull the central suture tightly closed.
Tie the suture. Clean and dress the area, using sterile gauze.
Repeat the chest x-ray.
Remove sutures at 1 week.
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Seldinger drains
Newer drains, which are smaller and inserted like ascitic drains, are being introduced – especially for pneumothoraces – and are less traumatic for patients and doctors alike.
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