SHORTENING OF A PENROSE DRAIN
y
The surgeon may order that a Penrose drain be shortened by a specific amount, usually toencourage closure of the wound from the inside out
y
The drain is pulled out of the wound the specified distance, and its length inside of the woundis thus shortened
y
A
sterile safety pin is commonly used to prevent the drain from slipping back inside the wound.Each time the drain is shortened, the safety pin is moved
y
I
f the drain is stapled or sutured to the skin, remove the staple or suture before you shorten or remove the drain
y
S
horten the drain during the dressing change
y
S
horten the drain while the wound is exposed before redressing the wound