What is a drain?
A drain is a tube with many holes at the end, which is placed in a cavity or close to a site of surgery. The drain is added to remove fluid that may collect following an operation. The end of the tubing that comes out of the body will be attached to a bag which can either be stored in a material bag which will be provided to you or it may be shortened and the end placed inside a plastic bag attached to your abdomen by an adhesive patch.
Why do I need a drain?
Body tissues cut during an operation leak fluid after surgery, if this leakage is thought to be a significant amount or of a type of fluid which can cause further problems to your health, for example, bile, then it is helpful to drain this outside of the body. This will help with healing, reduce pain/discomfort, and help to prevent internal infections (a collection of fluid in the body can cause pain and be a potential site for infection).
How long will I need the drain for?
This will depend on the type of surgery you have had and individual circumstances. It will also depend on the amounts of fluid draining and the type of fluid it is important to note the colour of the output and discuss this with your consultant when you return for your follow up appointment which is usually within 5-7 days.
Will I feel any pain from the drain?
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. It is important to continue moving to avoid other post-operative complications such as chest infections and deep vein thrombosis (blood clots).
Going home with the drain!
If you are clinically well and do not need to be in hospital but still need a drain, you may be discharged with the drain still in place. This is not unusual and there is no need to worry. The nurse looking after you will show you how to care for the drain and give you the supplies needed. If you are unable to get out of the house after discharge a district nurse may visit you at home to support you with the drain and monitor the skin around the drain. If you can leave the house then the practice nurse at your GP surgery can offer this support. If you feel confident in doing so you are welcome to monitor the drain site and change the bags yourself. You can discuss this with the nurse on your discharge from hospital.
What do I need to do at home?
- At any time you need to check the drain site, change the bag or change the dressings you should ensure you wash your hands thoroughly before and after with soap and water and a clean towel. You will be shown how to attach clean bags before discharge.
- Be careful not to get the drain caught on any furniture to prevent it being pulled out.
- Keep the drain lower than the wound to allow drainage to continue.
- Measuring the drainage; You should measure the drainage at roughly the same time each day or when the bag is 2/3 full (whichever is sooner). Empty the bag into a jug or container and note the amount in mls and the colour and write this on the chart supplied.
Possible problems
- If you have a problem, please do not worry, contact the number below:
- If the stitch holding the drain in place comes loose, secure with a dressing if possible.
- If the drain falls out, place a piece of gauze or clean dressing over the site.
- If the output via the drain was dark yellow or green or there are signs of infection
- High temperature
- Swelling to the area
- Warm to touch
- Oozy
- More painful than usual
If you notice any of these then please come to A&E hours.
How will the drain be removed?
The drain will be removed after consultation with the surgical team. The doctor or nurse will discuss the plan with you. It is advisable to take some simple painkillers i.e. paracetamol before you attend for your appointment. The stitch holding the drain in place (there is not always a stitch) will be cut and the drain slowly pulled out. The area will then be dressed or a small wound bag applied over the site. This may continue to leak a small amount of fluid afterwards. You will be supplied with some spare dressings or bags to apply at home.
Contact details:
Milby Ward: 02476865674
Surgical Assessment Unit (SAU): 02476865795
Mary Seacole Ward: 02476865758
If you feel you are unable to manage your drain then please contact your discharging ward via George Eliot switchboard on 02476351351.
George Eliot Hospital is a smoke free environment. For help and advice to stop smoking you can call the national helpline on 0300 123 1044 or visit https://
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