Benefit of the Drain Pauch Method in the Postoperative Management of the Hepatic Surgery

Hideo Ohtsuka, Masanori Suzuki, Michiaki Unno, Yu Katayose, Heigo Takeuchi and Seiki Matsuno

Department of Surgery, Division of Gastroenterological Surgery Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine

Introdction: We studied the efficacy of drain pouching in postoperative management of early patient mobilization and oral ingestion in view of medical expense and the promotion of postoperative recovery. Methods: Subjects were 26 patients undergoing hepatectomy in our department. Based on time to mobilization, start of oral ingestion, and postoperative hospital stay, we calculated medical expenses for wound treatment and overall medical expenses for hospitalization compared to that for conventional gauze. Results: Drain pouching significantly shortened the time to mobilization and the start of oral ingestion and significantly decreased wound treatment cost. Drain pouching also tend to shorten postoperative hospital stay and cut medical expenses during hospitalization. Discussion: Introducing drain pouching has reduced physical restrictions on and discomfort of patients, improving mental stability and return to regular daily activities through mobilization within the postoperative early phase of patients undergoing hepatectomy.

Key words
drain pouching, drainage, hepatic surgery, medical expense

Reprint requests
Hideo Ohtsuka Department of Surgery, Division of Gastroenterological Surgery Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine
1-1 Seiryo-cho, Aoba-ku, Sendai, 980-8574 JAPAN

Accepted
February 27, 2002

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