[Risks of wound infection caused by drainage].

Postoperative wound drainages are a possible tool of infections during the whole time of its use. Bacterial spreading within the drainage system is promoted by retrograde movement of secretions and by suspending gas bubbles. It is facilitated by wrong handling. Disconnecting the drainage system will lead to a bacterial contamination in 7%. Changing the bottles too often will increase the infection rates of wounds, may be dangerous for the staff and wastes money. The physical properties must be known, and daily measuring and documentation of the amount of wound secretions are mandatory. Non-disposable suction drainages with a high suction pressure, made of plastic material, are proven to be better than other systems.