How to Take Care of Your Drain and Drain Site
Conveniently located to serve the areas of Lake Forest, Glenview and Grayslake, IL
Contents
Instructions After Surgery:
A surgical drain is a soft, flexible, plastic tube that is connected to a plastic connection bulb. It works by the suction created from the compressed sealed bulb. Drains are used to remove fluid from your surgery site and help with wound healing.
Before you are discharged from the hospital, you will learn how to care for the drain and drain site. Drains are usually removed between 7 and 21 days after surgery. The total fluid drained from the bulb must be less than
30 milliliters (30 cubic centimeters) in 24 hours before the drain can be removed. It is important that you follow these instructions and record the amount of fluid drained from the bulb on the sheets provided. You will need to bring these recordings to your next appointment.
Care of the drain and drain site
- The drain should be “stripped” 3 or 4 times a day while you are awake. To do this, use 1 hand to hold the drain securely next to the area where the tube comes out of your body. Use the other hand’s thumb and forefinger to squeeze the tube, moving all the way down the tube to the bulb.
- Clean the area around the drain with soap and water twice daily unless there is a clear dressing over
the site. - Applyantibioticointmenttothedraininsertionsite 2 times a day unless there is a clear dressing over the site.
- Cover with dressing as needed.
To empty the bulb
- Wash your hands.
- Hold the bulb upright (drainage plug on top).
- Remove the drainage plug to release pressure.
- Allow the bulb to fully expand.
- Turn the bulb upside down and gently squeeze the fluid into the medicine cup for accurate measurements.
- Place the medicine cup on the counter.
To reactivate the suction
- Squeeze the bulb to remove the air by folding the drain in half.
- While squeezing, close the drainage plug.
- Release the bulb.
- The bulb will stay collapsed or concave.
Important to remember
Always wash your hands before and after handling the drain.
Be sure to empty the bulb before it fills completely or the drain will not work properly.
Keep accurate records of the amount of fluid emptied from the bulb.
Be careful to keep the drain plug tightly in place.
An airtight seal is necessary for the system to work properly.
Pay attention to how your wound is healing.
After the drain is removed
You may shower the next day.
Apply antibiotic ointment to the drain site for 2 days following the drain removal.
Cover with a bandage for 2 days.
When to notify your physician
The drain falls out.
The drain becomes clogged.
There is redness around the site bigger than the size of a quarter (local irritation is normal and expected).
Fluids around the drain site.
The bulb does not stay flat after reactivating the suction.
Drain output measurement
Measure and record the amount of drainage on the sheet below. Empty your drains before the bulb becomes completely full. You will probably need to do this 2 to 3 times a day during the first few days after surgery. Keep a running total of the amount of fluid drained within 24 hours.
| Date | Time | Amount | Total Amount |