DRAIN SITE HERNIAS - A RARE BUT RECOGNIZED COMPLICATION OF SURGICAL DRAINAGE. A STUDY OF THEIR RISK FACTORS, MANAGEMENT AND PREVENTION

Herniation through drain site is a rare but recognized complication of surgical drainage. Once detected they should be managed aggressively since incidence of obstruction is higher. We herein present two cases of drain site hernia which we encountered in our unit between Aug 2009 to Aug 2011 . We reviewed the case reports of these patients and analyzed them retrospectively. The risk factors for the development of drain site hernias in these patients were identified. The modalities to prevent these risk factors and to make drain site hernia as an avoidable complication were formulated. We identified the main predisposing factors for drain site hernia as sepsis, faulty technique in placement and management of drains. Management varied based on their site, nature, duration of presentation. One case presented as emergency which we managed by open technique, while the second case was repaired electively using laparoscopic technique