For a procedure requiring drainage, what type of drainage system might a surgical technologist use?

For procedures that require drainage, a closed suction drain is the most commonly utilized system among the options presented. This type of drainage system allows for the continuous removal of fluids or gas from a surgical site while preventing external contamination.

Closed suction drains work by creating a negative pressure environment within the drain, which helps to efficiently evacuate fluids such as blood, serous fluid, or pus that may accumulate following surgery. This method minimizes the risk of infection by maintaining a sealed system that does not allow external organisms to enter the wound.

While other types of drainage systems, such as negative pressure wound therapy, chest tubes, and open drains, are used in specific contexts, they each have distinct applications. For instance, negative pressure wound therapy is primarily designed for wound healing and is not exclusively a drainage system. Chest tubes are specific to draining air or fluid from the pleural space in the thorax, and open drains may expose contents to the environment, increasing the risk of infection. Therefore, the closed suction drain is generally preferred for its effectiveness and safety in managing drainage during surgical procedures.