The Elist Drain Retainer: A New Adherent Drain Retainer with Antibacterial Properties

Abstract

Background: Surgical drains are used in at least half of all surgical operations world-wide. The gold standard for the fixation of drains to the skin is currently the “Roman garter” (RG) technique, which involves knotting a suture around the drain. Its disadvantages include the time to perform the technique, possible loosening and accidental removal, and bacterial infection with biofilm formation if left in place for weeks. Methods: The Elist Drain Retainer (EDR) has been developed, and it consists of a short plastic tube bent to 90 ° with a side slit for the drain, fixed to a mounting patch with adhesive and an antiseptic. Results: In a clinical trial comparing 25 drain attachments with the RG versus 25 drain attachments with the new EDR, the former took an average of five minutes and the EDR took an average of one minute to place. Loosening occurred in five (20%) drains and accidental removal occurred in four (16%) for the RG group versus no incidences of loosening or accidental removal in the EDR group. Self-removal of the EDR was possible for seven (28%) patients. Conclusion: The EDR demonstrated a clear advantage over the RG in all tested parameters. The lack of instruments and the possibility of self-removal of the EDR when a drain is needed are particularly advantageous features.