What should be noted regarding drainage after appendectomy?

After surgery for appendicitis, a drainage tube is placed primarily to remove accumulated fluid or pus from the abdominal cavity, prevent the spread of infection, and promote wound healing. During care, it is important to maintain patency of the drainage tube, monitor the drainage output, provide proper local skin care, limit range of motion, and avoid self-manipulation. Details are as follows:

1. Maintain drainage tube patency: Ensure the drainage tube is free from kinking, compression, or folding. Move gently when turning over or changing position to avoid pulling on the tube, which could cause displacement or dislodgement. If blockage by blood clots or fibrous debris is observed, do not attempt to squeeze or flush the tube yourself.

2. Monitor drainage characteristics: Closely observe the color, volume, and nature of the drainage fluid. In the early postoperative period, drainage may appear light red and bloody, gradually decreasing in volume and becoming clearer over time. A sudden increase or decrease in output, or the presence of purulent discharge or foul odor, may indicate complications such as bleeding or infection.

3. Provide local skin care: Keep the area where the drainage tube exits the skin clean and dry. Change dressings daily as instructed by healthcare staff, ensuring dressings remain dry and uncontaminated. During dressing changes, check for signs of redness, swelling, skin breakdown, or leakage at the site. Report any discomfort such as redness or itching.

4. Limit physical activity: Avoid strenuous movements in the early postoperative phase, such as vigorous turning, sitting up too quickly, or running after getting out of bed, to prevent accidental dislodgement or displacement of the drainage tube. Light activities like slow walking may be permitted under medical guidance, but should be done with assistance.

5. Avoid self-management: Never remove the drainage tube on your own. Removal must be performed by medical personnel based on assessment of drainage output and the patient’s recovery progress. Do not adjust the height of the drainage tube or bag yourself. The drainage bag must remain below the level of the drainage site to prevent backflow of fluid into the abdominal cavity, which could lead to infection.

After surgery, strictly follow all nursing instructions provided by healthcare professionals, attend scheduled check-ups, maintain adequate rest, and gradually transition your diet from liquids to semi-solid, then to regular food. Emphasize intake of protein-rich and vitamin-rich foods to support recovery.