What is penrose drain?

A Penrose drain is a type of surgical drain used to remove fluid from a wound or surgical site. It is made of soft, flexible rubber and is typically placed in a sterile manner by a healthcare provider during surgery or in a medical setting.

The Penrose drain works by gravity drainage, allowing the fluid to flow out of the wound and into a collection bag or dressing. It is secured in place by a safety pin or suture and typically does not have a bulb or reservoir to collect the fluid.

Penrose drains are commonly used in surgical procedures such as mastectomies, abdominal surgeries, and orthopedic surgeries to prevent the accumulation of fluid, reduce the risk of infection, and promote healing. They are usually removed once the drainage of fluid has decreased to an acceptable level.

Care should be taken to monitor the output of fluid from the Penrose drain, keep the surrounding area clean and dry, and change the dressing as needed to prevent infection. The healthcare provider will provide specific instructions on how to care for the Penrose drain and when it should be removed.