In the event that your procedure requires the use of a drain, you will be asked to maintain the drain and record the quantity of fluid that collects in the reservoir about every 8 hours.
You can secure the drain reservoir to your clothing or the abdominal binder with a safety pin. Whenever it fills or expands to 50% or more, empty it by opening the plug at the top, and pouring the contents into the specimen cup. Do not attempt to remove the reservoir from the tubing. Record the amount of fluid from each drain individually on the output sheet, and total the amounts from each drain at the end of each day. Squeeze the bulb to recompress it, and put the plug back into the hole at the top in order to maintain the vacuum. If the bulb fills rapidly after emptying it, you need to empty it more than 3 times a day, or if any drain is less than 30cc at the end of a 24-hour period, call the office immediately.
Basic Drain Care
In order to maintain free flow of fluid within the drain, strip the tubing 2-3 times every 8 hours. To do pinch the tubing between your thumb and index finger and slide your fingers across the tubing towards the reservoir to remove any stagnant flow that could be blocking the drain.
Your drains will be removed about 5 to 10 days after surgery when the fluid begins to turn a clear, straw-like color and/or the amount of drainage diminishes. You may shower the day after your drains are removed. Occasionally, you will be allowed by the doctor to shower with your drains in place.
If you ever have any questions or concerns, do not hesitate to contact the office.