Developing an experimental model for surgical drainage investigations: an initial report

BackgroundWe sought to pilot and initiate validation of a surgical drainage model.MethodsWe designed a laboratory model to compare Jackson-Pratt surgical drains using 3 soups to emulate body fluids of serous, purulent, and necrotic debris. Each drain was trialed with each of the 3 fluids. Time and completeness of drainage were recorded. A survey of surgical residents and faculty was performed for convenience sampling.ResultsUnder serous conditions, the round Jackson-Pratt drained the cavity quicker, but left a larger residual volume of fluid. Under purulent conditions, the round Jackson-Pratt was slower and drained less fluid. With debris fluid, the round Jackson-Pratt was quicker with less residual fluid whereas the flat type clogged each time. Survey results showed adequate concordance with surgeons in agreement on soup choice.ConclusionsThe Jackson-Pratt drains perform differently depending on the drainage situation. The surgical community requires improved drain data to drive practice patterns.