[Progress in wound drainage].

The operative treatment today is standardized to a great extent, whereas postoperative drainage is still up to the own discretion of the surgeon. Important devices of drainage systems which are mandatory are highlighted. The most important point, a real closed wound drainage system, has not yet been introduced into clinical practice. Two drainage systems, which meet the demands of an effective wound drainage in different ways are presented. With regard to minimizing blood transfusion another system is described, which offers the possibility of reinfusion of drained blood to the patient.