By and large, drains are not painful to have in place. But they can cause discomfort, depending on how big they are and where they are placed. Typically, the discomfort is mild. But it's fair to say that the larger the drain, the greater the likelihood that it will cause some pain.
They are not usually painful. They can keep you in hospital longer. Sometimes they can stop you moving around as much as you'd like, particularly if you have a drain from your chest area.
You may feel discomfort around the drain site. You may also get discomfort/pain internally where it rubs against tissues and organs i.e. following gallbladder surgery the drain may sit under the liver and cause pain/discomfort, particularly on movement. Please take painkillers to ease this.
How Long Does It Take for a Drain Hole to Heal? The drainage hole is about as wide as a pencil. The hole will close in a few days and fully heal in three to four weeks.
Having drains removed produces more of a weird sensation than painful. Some surgeons prescribe a pain killer to take beforehand, but this isn't necessary for most patients. Drain removal takes just seconds and it will be over before you know it!
Abstract. Removing surgical drains can be painful. Currently, there is no evidence to predict which patients may experience greater pain than others.
Why do patients PREFER not to have drains? Drain-free cosmetic surgery techniques AVOID unnecessary drain-tube incision(s) and related healing risks. This can help reduce complications linked with drain use.
You may have a tube or drain placed in the surgical site to remove excess fluid or blood. 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.
If instructed by your doctor, you may shower with the drains in place. Attach them to an old belt or cloth strap to limit the amount of pulling on the skin and to avoid the risk of pulling the drain out accidentally. The drain will be removed in the office at your doctor's discretion.
I see blood clots or solid debris in the drain tubing/bulb: It is common for small debris or a blood clot to be found inside the tubing or bulb. The blood clot appears as a dark, stringy lining. It could prevent the drainage from flowing through the tube. Try to strip the drain to move the clot into the bulb.
Answer: Drain sites can be irritated and painful
If the drain is not ready for removal then a topical or injectable numbing cream/solution can be applied around the drain site to relive the discomfort. Please see your plastic surgeon and ask for a numbing agent for you to use.
“It's exactly like period pain initially. Then it feels like a tiny, powerful little bird pecking at my insides.” “Drain pain is one of the worst pains I've had!
Patients may experience a pulling or pressure-like sensation, however drain removal is generally well-tolerated and over within a few seconds. Please contact us if considering body contouring procedures in the Toronto area to schedule a consultation with female plastic surgeon, Dr.
Answer: Going Back to Work with Drains In
There is NO reason why you could not go back to a desk job with your drains still in. There is no downside in doing so.
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.
Answer: Not necessary to stitch close drain incisions
It isn't necessary to stitch close the incisions where the drains are inserted because they are very small and heal well on their own.
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.
While serous or serosanguineous drainage is normal in small amounts, call your surgeon or healthcare provider if the drainage is profuse or persists for longer than 72 hours.
Hemorrhagic drainage
If the blood is dark red and steadily flowing, it may mean a vein has ruptured.
Following your procedure, a surgical drain may be required to prevent a build-up of fluid the body naturally produces in the early stages of healing. If your drains are not removed while you're in hospital, it may be required for you to discharge from hospital with the drains in place.
Surgical drain and catheter-related complications can occur. These include fragmentation of the drain in the abdomen, pain, infection, loss of function due to obstruction, perforation of visceral organs and probable problems regarding drain withdrawal (3, 4, 7, 8).
Surgical wound drainage is recognized as a key element in facilitating the healing process. Wound drainage systems are designed to allow enough moisture to remain in tissues to promote regeneration and lessen inflammation, while removing excess exudate or material that may hamper the healing process.
The fluid color may change from red to reddish- yellow, then to yellowish-white. This depends on where the surgeon puts the drain.
Sleep on the side opposite of the drain. This will help you to avoid blocking the tubing or pulling it out of the suction bulb. Ask your doctor about when it is safe to shower, bathe, or soak in water.
This procedure is usually completed in 20 minutes to an hour. Once in place, the catheter is connected to a drainage bag outside of your body. The catheter will remain in place until the fluid has stopped draining and your infection is gone. It may take several days to drain the abscess.