ABC of Tubes, Drains, Lines and Frames

Book excerpt: Surgical patients are increasingly undergoing operative proceduresthat require complex post-operative care followed by prolongedrehabilitation in the community, and few leave surgery without awound, tube, line or drain. The care of these surgical adjuncts isundertaken either in hospital by ward staff or away from thehospital in the community, where GPs and practice nurses areexpected to take over the day-to-day management of this care. The ABC of Tubes, Drains, Lines and Frames is a practicalguide that provides a clear account of the key issues involved inthe assessment and management of surgical wounds, tubes, drains,lines and stomas – from the operating theatre to the CriticalCare unit and from the ward into the community. It highlightscommon pitfalls and includes ‘trouble shooting’sections that provide an understanding of the issues at all stagesof post-operative care. This new ABC is an invaluable resource for all GPs,practice nurses, surgical nurses, junior doctors, and communityparamedics.