How are surgical drain tubes removed?
Using standard aseptic technique, clean around the site and remove any sutures. Pinching the edges of the skin together, rotate tubing from side to side gently to loosen, then remove the drain using a smooth, but fast, continuous traction.
When can a wound drain be removed?
Generally speaking, a drain can be removed when there is less than 30 cubic centimeters (1 ounce) of fluid for two straight days or three weeks after surgery, whichever comes first. Having a drain removed usually does not hurt, but it can feel rather odd as the tubing slides out of the body.
How do you remove a surgical drain at home?
To remove the drain, remove any visible tape that may be securing the tubing to your skin or dressing. Gently pull the plastic tubing out. There may be slight discomfort but the tube should pull out easily. You should leave the rest of the bandage intact unless the physician has instructed you otherwise.
How long does it take to remove drains after surgery?
Most commonly the drain with lower output is removed at approximately one week post-operatively. The second drain is usually removed the following week when drainage has tapered appropriately. Drains may be left in place for a longer time period if required in some cases.
What happens after drains are removed?
Generally, yes. Occasionally after the drain comes out, the body doesn’t have the capacity to resorb the fluid the wound is still creating and a seroma will form. This is usually a minor complication, and the fluid is easily removed with needle and syringe in the office. Rarely does a new drain need to be placed.
What to do if surgical drain comes out?
What happens if the surgical drain comes out prematurely? If your surgical drain naturally comes out before it is supposed to, simply contact Dr. Crawford. He will evaluate how you are doing and determine whether or not the drain needs to be put back in place.
How much wound drainage is too much?
A fresh wound should drain more than one that is healing properly. If you’ve had surgery, a little serous or sanguineous drainage from the incision is normal. However, excessive bleeding could mean a blood vessel was injured during the operation.
How do you know if the wound is infected?
If you suspect your wound is infected, here are some symptoms to monitor:
- Warmth. Often, right at the beginning of the healing process, your wound feels warm.
- Redness. Again, right after you’ve sustained your injury, the area may be swollen, sore, and red in color.
- Discharge.
- Pain.
- Fever.
- Scabs.
- Swelling.
- Tissue Growth.