Your surgeon will usually remove the bulb when drainage is below 25 ml per day for two days in a row. On average, JP drains can continue to drain for 1 to 5 weeks. Keep a log and bring it to the clinic for discussion so your surgical team can determine the best time to remove the drain.
A closed suction drain in the surgical field can decrease seroma formation and possibly reduces the risk of infection. However, prolonged drain duration may increase infection rate due to ascending infection.
Most drains are removed one to three weeks after surgery. If they stay in longer than three weeks, the risk of infection increases.
In the days and weeks after surgery your body needs time to repair the incision. During this time, the incision will likely become inflamed and there may be some drainage. A mild amount of drainage from the incision is normal.
Removing drains too soon may result in fluid buildup, seroma, and the need for fluid aspiration and/or a second surgery.
Having a drain removed usually does not hurt, but it can feel rather odd as the tubing slides out of the body. The incision is then covered with a dressing or left open to the air. Stitches usually are not needed. But it's a good idea to avoid swimming or soaking in a tub for several days.
The drained fluid is collected into a dressing, bag, or container. You should see the drainage decrease after you go home, and you may see it change color. You should be shown how to empty the drain before you are discharged, and you should ask if you need to measure the drainage.
Sanguineous Wound Drainage
This type of drainage is a normal part of the inflammatory phase of wound healing, but it should lessen considerably over time and stop after a few hours in most instances. In some deeper wounds, sanguineous wound drainage may continue for a few days but should distinctly lessen in volume.
Serous drainage
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.
Generally, drains should be removed once the drainage has stopped or becomes less than about 25 ml/day. Drains can be 'shortened' by withdrawing them gradually (typically by 2 cm per day) and so, in theory, allowing the site to heal gradually.
– Is drain removal painful? Patients may experience a pulling or pressure sensation, however there is generally no pain experienced during drain removal. Drain removal takes only a few seconds. The stitch securing the drain in place is first removed followed by gentle removal of the drainage tube.
Inappropriate use of drains can lead to complications that include infection and increased overall patient morbidity. Inappropriate placement can also increase the risk for incision dehiscence or delayed/failed wound healing.
The drain may also be a source of contamination if it becomes clotted, becomes clogged, or becomes a conduit allowing opposite flow within it, thus increasing the possibility of surgical site infection.
Most drains are removed one to three weeks after surgery. If they stay in longer than three weeks, the risk of infection increases.
Complications of incision and drainage include damage to adjacent structures, bacteremic complications, misdiagnosis of such entities as mycotic aneurysms, and spread of infection owing to inadequate drainage.
Depending on your state of health, it can be shorter or longer. An average time length that a lot of people say with an abdominal incision is about one to two months or even just six weeks to where you really want to let it heal and you try not to put too much pressure on your abdomen during that time.
A wound that's healing can produce a clear or pink fluid. An infected wound can produce a yellowish, bad-smelling fluid called pus. When fluid seeps from a wound, it is called wound drainage.
Monitor and mark dressings to ensure minimal leakage, replace dressings as required to minimise risk of infection. Excessive leakage should be reported to AUM or surgeon. Dressing should be removed when wound has healed (3-5 days).
When you first get the drain, the fluid will be bloody. It will change colour from red to pink to a light yellow or clear as the wound heals and the fluid starts to go away. Your doctor may give you information on when you no longer need the drain and when it will be removed.
If you are still draining after the drain removal, it is important to contact your doctor immediately. This could be a sign of infection or fluid buildup in the area and should be addressed as soon as possible. Your doctor may suggest additional treatments such as antibiotics or further drainage procedures.
Do not drive until all drains have been removed. Do not lift anything heavy (more than 10 pounds), or do repetitive arm motions like raking or vacuuming for 1 week after all drains have been removed. Your surgeon will call you to talk about the pathology results about 7-10 business days after surgery.
You may shower 48 hours after your drain is removed. If you have more than one drain, you cannot shower until the last drain has been out for 48 hours.