Commonly used after surgery, Penrose drains are radiopaque and available in a variety of sizes (the drain in this image is 3/8 x 12 inches).
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.
Abstract. Removing surgical drains can be painful. Currently, there is no evidence to predict which patients may experience greater pain than others.
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. slide the fluid towards the bulb.
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.
To remove the drain, remove any visible tape that may be securing the tubing to your skin or dressing. Gently pull the plastic tubing out. There may be slight discomfort but the tube should pull out easily. You should leave the rest of the bandage intact unless the physician has instructed you otherwise.
Large or deep surgery incisions can take 6 to 8 weeks to heal. People with medical problems or prescribed certain medications may take longer. How can I help healing?
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.
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.
The fluid color may change from red to reddish- yellow, then to yellowish-white. This depends on where the surgeon puts the drain.
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.
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.
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.
The drainage has no odor. There is only a very small amount of bleeding. Pain, swelling, and redness are improving.
Empty the reservoir at least two times a day, even if it's not full. You may need to empty it more than twice if it gets full. Change the dressing around the wound at least once a day, or more often if it becomes soaked or dirty. “Milk” the tubing every four hours while you are awake.
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.
It's a white, yellow, or brown fluid and might be slightly thick in texture. It's made up of white blood cells trying to fight the infection, plus the residue from any bacteria pushed out of the wound. There may be an unpleasant smell to the fluid, as well.
Incision and drainage (I&D), also known as clinical lancing, are minor surgical procedures to release pus or pressure built up under the skin, such as from an abscess, boil, or infected paranasal sinus.
The color of the fluid usually begins as cranberry (blood tinged) and as the days after surgery go by, the color becomes pink or yellow. The more active you are, the more fluid will be produced. Sometimes increased activity can cause the color of the fluid to become cranberry after it has been yellow.
Hemorrhagic drainage
If the blood is dark red and steadily flowing, it may mean a vein has ruptured.
You may shower after you have had the drain in place for 48 hours, after you have removed your outer surgical dressing (if you have one), or if you do not have an outer dressing. – To keep your drain in place in the shower, attach it to a lanyard or shoelace looped loosely around your neck.
To minimize swelling keep your head elevated. Use several pillows and prop your head and torso upright while relaxing or sleeping. You may have been given prescriptions for one or more pain medication to help manage severe discomfort following your surgery.
Sanguineous drainage is composed primarily of fresh blood, so it is bright red in color and has a syrup-like consistency. As blood begins to clot, the exudate turns to a deep red color.
Complications and Failures. 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 reason for leaving the drain tubes in is to decrease ti chance of fluid collection (seroma). However, leaving the tubes in too long can increase the chance of infection at the tune sites and potentially into deeper space.