The object of the McCollum tube is to keep the patient dry when there is a large quantity of drainage from a sinus, such as a gallbladder, intestinal or suprapubic opening; to obviate the old form diaper drainage, permitting dry dressings at all times; to assure comfort for the patient, and to reduce the cost of dressings and nursing care.
The apparatus is simple and fool proof. It can be used in either the hospital or the home in which there is running water and may be operated by untrained attendants.
The tube, as illustrated in the accompanying sketch, is constructed of pyrex glass tubing. The opening (A) is placed inside the loop (E) so that it cannot come into contact with any tissue surrounding the sinus opening (X) and thus cannot at any time become plugged by the surrounding tissue. The ends C and D can be strapped to