In this article, we will discuss the Penrose and T-tube Drain. So, let’s get started.
Penrose Drain
It consists of a soft rubber tube placed in a wound area to prevent the build-up of fluid. It is named after the American gynecologist Charles Bingham Penrose. A Penrose drain removes fluid from a wound area. It can also be used to drain cerebrospinal fluid to treat hydrocephalus patients. The Penrose drain is a common passive drain.
- Material: Latex rubber, silicone
- Sizes: 1/4×6, 1/2×6, 3/4×6, 1×6 inches
T-tube Drain
It is used mostly for patients who have undergone gallbladder surgery or surgery of the surrounding tubes draining the gall bladder. It is placed in the common bile duct post common bile duct exploration (CBD exploration) with supraduodenal choledochotomy. It provides external drainage of bile in a controlled route while the healing process of choledochotomy is maturing and the original pathology is resolving. This type of drainage resembles T shape hence the name T-tube drain. The collection finally drains into a collection bag.