Penrose Drain

Penrose Drain

The penrose drain is a type of surgical drain named after it’s creator – Dr Charles Bingham Penrose. The penrose drain was developed to promote drainage of blood and other fluids during and after surgery… specifically on the area of the body that is being operated on.

It has become popular because it is very efficient at draining liquids away from the area. This is important as for any surgery to be successful it can not be flooded with liquid. After surgery it matters because it helps to stop infection in the operated area and also makes the patient feel more comfortable.

The penrose drain is actually portable – this is important as it is often used in major surgeries, so having a portable drain allows the patient to go home earlier than they otherwise would. Since they are also easy to remove the patient can have it removed in their local clinic if they wish – often saving long journeys and waits to get to hospital

What is a Penrose Drain?

A penrose drain is a small, thin rubber tube that is placed in the wound to drain the liquids. Usually this tube is connected to a bag or bladder to allow the liquids to be collected easily and cleanly. It is also useful as it means that what liquid, and the amount of it, can be easily quantified and studied.

Usually there will be some sort of tab or pin that is used to help prevent the tube slipping too far into the wound, or too far away from it as to make it useless. As the wound heals the tube is gradually moved further from the deepest parts to allow full healing to take place.

As with all surgical implants infection is a possibility. So it is important to keep the area clean and regularly change any bandages and material around the wound.