Surgical drains are used to collect and measure fluids (e.g. serous fluid, lymph, blood, etc.). The volume of fluid in the container is measured using graded markings on the container and then recorded manually on a "drain chart" allowing for manual rate calculations.
Measurements of volume amounts are generally performed by one of two methods: direct observation of the fluid in the drainage system or through emptying of the fluid into a measuring container.
Measure and record the drainage amount in “cc” or “ml” or “oz” on the back of this sheet. Flush the fluid down the toilet or sink and wash your hands. Measure and record the drainage once or twice a day—usually when you wake up and before going to bed.
Silicone drain with full perforations. Length of drain area = 20cm (8in), overall length 80cm (32in).
A mild amount of drainage from the incision is normal. If the drainage fluid is thin, watery, and pinkish red, there is likely nothing to be concerned about. However, there are instances in which you should be concerned about drainage from your incision.
The Jackson-Pratt drain is usually removed when the drainage is 30 mL or less over 24 hours.
A Jackson-Pratt (JP) drain (see Figure 4.4) is usually used for smaller amounts of drainage (25 to 50 ml). Drains are usually sutured to the skin to prevent accidental removal.
Tubing is measured by the OUTSIDE DIAMETER (O.D.), specified in inches (e.g., 1.250) or fraction of an inch (eg. 1-1/4″). Pipe is usually measured by NOMINAL PIPE SIZE (NPS). Although it is related to the outside diameter, it is significantly different.
Toilet drain pipes are usually 3 inches in diameter. Washing machines and laundry sinks generally need 2-inch drain pipes. Shower and bathtub drain pipes are usually 2 inches in diameter. Sinks usually require a 1.5-inch drain pipe.
There are several method that can be used to calculate drainage, but the rational method is probably the easiest and most widely used method. The rational method equation is: Q = C x I x A/96.23, where, Q is the storm-water run-off in gallons per minute (GPM)
What is a 1 in 40 fall? A 1 in 40 pipe fall means that for every 40 units of length, the pipe will drop by 1 unit. For example, in a 40 metre run of pipe, the vertical drop of that pipe run will be 1 metre. It makes no difference what unit of measurement is used. Pipe fall can also sometimes be described as a gradient.
For example, a slope that has a rise of 5 feet for every 1000 feet of run would have a slope ratio of 1 in 200.
How Much Slope? The standard slope for proper concrete drainage is a one-quarter inch drop for every foot of length. So, to calculate the difference in height between one end of a patio or walkway and another, simply multiply the length by one-quarter.
There may be red stringy material in the drainage. These are not blood clots—DO NOT WORRY! This material does, however, tend to block the tubing. You may need to "milk" or “strip” the tubing.
Answer: Fluid after drain removal
Your body will naturally absorb the drainage as long as it is not excessive and decreasing in production. If the fluid continues to accumulate, then you can develop a seroma (fluid collection).
The drain is designed to collect serosanguineous fluid by way of suction. The drain helps to reduce the risk of infection and seroma (a build up of fluid in the soft tissues). The amount of serosanguineous fluid should decrease each day and the color of the fluid will turn light pink or light yellow.
Hemorrhagic drainage
If the blood is dark red and steadily flowing, it may mean a vein has ruptured.
Serous drainage is composed mainly of plasma. It is often thin and watery and will usually have a clear to yellowish or brownish appearance. Small amounts of serous drainage are normal during the first stages of healing.
Too much wound drainage: wound bed has free fluid visible, the dressing is wet or saturated, frequent changes required, and periwound skin may be macerated or denuded.
Drainage should NOT be more than 500 mL/day (notify MD if this happens)…the drainage will decrease as the patient recovers.
Removing drains too soon may result in fluid buildup, seroma, and the need for fluid aspiration and/or a second surgery. Generally speaking, most patients who require tummy tuck drains are able to have them removed after about 1 – 3 weeks.