By eliminating mediators of inflammation, bacteria, foreign objects, and necrotic tissue, drains can aid in the healing process. Surgical Drainage Devices allow monitoring for potential complications by allowing easy fluid sampling during healing; they also enable addressing problems related to empty spaces upon a report from pathology has shown that neoplasia resection is complete and that the margins are adequate. Pressure that can impair perfusion or cause pain can be relieved by drains, which lowers morbidity and reduces inflammation.

The need to remove fluid or gas that is already present, prevent fluid or gas from accumulating, and eliminate dead space are the primary indications for using a Surgical Drainage Devices. After the subcutaneous connective tissues are damaged, dead space forms between the tissues; this is undesirable since the fluid that usually fills the hole is an ideal environment for bacterial development.