Surgical vacuum drains: types, uses, and complications.

High- and low-pressure vacuum drains are commonly used after surgical procedures. High-pressure vacuum drains (ie, sealed, closed-circuit systems) are efficient and allow for easy monitoring and safe disposal of the drainage. Low-pressure vacuum drains use gentle pressure to evacuate excess fluid and air, and are easy for patients to manage at home because it is easy to reinstate the vacuum pressure. Perioperative nurses should be able to identify the various types of commonly used drains and their surgical applications. Nurses should know how to care for drains, how to reinstate the vacuum pressure when necessary, and the potential complications that could result from surgical drain use. Copyright 2010 AORN, Inc. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.