After a surgery, fluid often collects near the part of the body that was operated on.
A surgical drain helps get rid of the fluid ... so you'll be less likely to get an infection.
Let's take a look at the parts of a surgical drain.
The drain has a tube that connects to a container.
You can hook the container to your clothes with a safety pin ... to keep it in place.
Okay, now let's go over how to ... empty the container ...
clear the tube ... and change your bandage.
To empty the container, wash your hands with soap and water ... then take out the plug.
Some drains have a bulb that you can squeeze to get all the fluid out.
Empty the fluid into a measuring cup ... and write down the amount ... and the color.
Next ... wipe the plug clean with alcohol.
Then squeeze the air out of the container until it's flat, and then put the plug back in.
Empty the fluid from the cup into the toilet and wash the cup ...
and then wash your hands again.
How often you empty the container depends on how much fluid there is.
Doctors often recommend emptying it when it's about half full.
Now, sometimes the tube can get clogged. Here's how to clear it.
Use one hand to firmly hold the tube, close to your body.
With your other hand, pinch the tube with your thumb and finger.
Slide your thumb and finger ... while squeezing ...
slowly down the tube toward the container.
Repeat this until the tube is clear.
If you have a bandage around the drain, follow any instructions you've been given for how often to change it.
When you change the bandage ...
gently clean the area with soap and water before putting on a new bandage.
As you heal, make sure the fluid is getting lighter in color ...
and that there's less of it over time.
The fluid will be bloody at first ... and, as your wound heals, it should change color from red to pink ... to light yellow or mostly clear.
Call your doctor if you have signs of infection, such as increased pain, swelling, warmth, or redness ...
red streaks leading from the incision ...
pus draining from the incision ... or a fever.
And call your doctor if the fluid looks cloudy or smells bad ...
or if the drain comes out or stops working.
Taking good care of your surgical drain will help you heal ... and avoid problems ...
until it's time to have your drain removed.
