Intraperitoneal drainage.

Intraperitoneal drainage has been a subject of controversy and debate since the earliest recording of surgical theory and practice. A historical perspective helps us understand how we have arrived at our modern concepts. The evolution from Tait's dictum, "When in doubt, drain," to our present thinking coursed a century of scientific investigation and research. Animal and clinical studies since the time of Yates have led to the current views regarding prophylactic drainage, efficiency of drainage, and ways to minimize the complications of drainage. The three categories of intraperitoneal drains--passive, closed suction, and sump--have been discussed and general principles outlined.