Suctioning

Removal of material through the use of negative pressure, as in suctioning an operative wound during and after surgery to remove exudates, or suctioning of the respiratory passages to remove secretions that the patient cannot remove by coughing. Suctioning of the nose and mouth is a relatively simple procedure requiring only cleanliness and sensible care in the removal of liquids obstructing the nasal and oral passages. Suctioning of the deeper respiratory structures (deep or endotracheal suctioning) demands special skill and meticulous care to avoid traumatizing the delicate mucous membranes and introducing infection into the respiratory tree.