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The drain is a small thin tube that can be inserted into the skin after a few surgeries, to help remove excess fluids, such as blood and pus, which can end up accumulating in the operated area. The surgeries in which drain placement is more common include abdominal surgeries, such as bariatric surgery, on the lung or breast, for example.
In most cases, the drain is inserted below the scar of the surgery and is fixed with stitches or staples, and can be maintained for about 1 to 4 weeks.
The drain can be placed in various regions of the body and, therefore, there are different types of drains, which can be rubber, plastic or silicone. Although there are several types of drain, the precautions are usually similar.
How to care for the drain
In order to keep the drain working correctly, you cannot break the tube or make sudden movements because they can end up tearing the drain off and causing an injury to the skin. So one of the best ways to take care of the drain is to stay calm and rest, as directed by the doctor.
In addition, if it is necessary to take the drain home, it is very important to record the color and the amount of liquid that is eliminated to inform the nurse or doctor, so that these professionals can evaluate the healing.
The dressing, drain or deposit must not be changed at home, but must be replaced at the hospital or health center by a nurse. So, if the dressing is wet or if the drain pan is full, you should go to the health center or call the doctor or nurse to find out what to do.
Other common questions
In addition to knowing how to care for the drain there are also other common questions:
1. How do I know if the drain is working?
If the drain is working properly, the amount of fluid that comes out should decrease over the days and the skin next to the dressing should remain clean and without redness or swelling. In addition, the drain should not cause pain, just a little discomfort in the area that is inserted into the skin.
2. When should the drain be removed?
Usually the drain is removed when secretion stops coming out and if the scar does not show signs of infection such as redness and swelling. Thus, the length of stay with the drain varies with the type of surgery, ranging from a few days to a few weeks.
3. Is it possible to bathe with the drain?
In most cases it is possible to bathe with the drain, but the wound dressing should not be wet, as it increases the risk of infection.
So, if the drain is in the chest or abdomen, for example, you can bathe from the waist down and then use a sponge on the top to clean the skin.
4. Does ice relieve pain in the drain?
If you feel pain at the drain site, ice should not be placed, as the presence of the drain does not cause pain, only discomfort.
So, if you feel pain, it is necessary to inform the doctor quickly because the drain may be deviated from the correct location or be developing an infection and, the ice will not treat the problem, it will only reduce the swelling and relieve the pain for a few minutes and when wetting the dressing, the risk of infection is greater.
Change deposit in hospital
5. Do I need to take any medication because of the drain?
The doctor may recommend taking an antibiotic, such as Amoxicillin or Azithromycin, to prevent the development of an infection, and should be taken, in most cases, twice a day.
In addition, to reduce discomfort, you can also prescribe an analgesic, such as Paracetamol, every 8 hours.
6. What complications can arise?
The main risks of the drain are infections, bleeding or perforation of organs, but these complications are very rare.
7. Does taking the drain hurt?
Usually, removing the drain does not hurt and, therefore, anesthesia is not necessary, however in some cases, such as in the chest drain, local anesthesia can be applied to reduce discomfort.
Removing the drain can cause discomfort for a few seconds, which is the time it takes to remove it. To relieve this sensation, it is recommended to take a deep breath when the nurse or doctor is taking the drain.
8. Do I need to take stitches after removing the drain?
It is not normally necessary to take stitches, because the little hole where the drain was inserted into the skin closes on its own, and it is only necessary to apply a small dressing until it closes completely.
9. What can I do if the drain comes out on its own?
In case the drain leaves alone, it is recommended to cover the hole with a dressing and go quickly to the emergency room or hospital. You should never put the drain back on, as it may pierce an organ.
10. Can the drain leave a scar?
In some cases it is possible that a small scar will appear at the place where the drain was inserted.
Small scar
When is it recommended to go to the doctor?
It is necessary to go back to the doctor whenever it is necessary to change the dressing or to remove the stitches or staples. However, you should also go to the doctor if you have:
- Redness, swelling or pus around the insertion of the drain into the skin;
- Severe pain at the drain site;
- Strong and unpleasant smell in the dressing;
- Wet dressing;
- Increase in the amount of liquid drained over the days;
- Fever above 38º C.
These signs indicate that the drain is not working properly or that there may be an infection, it is very important to identify the problem in order to do the appropriate treatment.See other strategies to recover faster from surgery.