An alternative non-suture method of fixing wound drains to simplify planned removal and reduce morbidity.

BACKGROUND Surgical drains are used commonly in emergency, elective and daycase procedures across surgical specialties. Traditionally, fixing the drain involved a suture tying the drain to skin, a method carrying complications such as failure, premature removal, inflammation, bleeding, scarring and rarely skin necrosis. Removal of drains secured by stitches may be problematic outside of specialist nursing facilities and may prove an impediment to performing procedures in day-case units when use of drains is considered prudent. We have developed and employed a technique of affixing drains that has since been adopted by surgical practitioners.