What potential complication can drain use prevent in postoperative patients?

The use of drains in postoperative patients is primarily aimed at preventing fluid accumulation in the surgical area. When fluid builds up, it can lead to complications such as seroma or hematoma formation, which can create an environment conducive to infection. By allowing excess fluid to be evacuated, drains help maintain a healthier healing environment, reducing the risk of infection that could arise from stagnant fluid pooling.

While postoperative nausea, increased appetite, and scar tissue formation are important aspects of postoperative care, they are not directly influenced by the use of drains. Nausea is typically managed through medication and dietary adjustments, appetite often returns as the patient recovers, and scar tissue formation is a natural part of the healing process that is not significantly affected by the presence of drains. Thus, the primary complication that drains help to prevent is fluid accumulation leading to infection.