Caring for Your Surgical Drain

The purpose of a surgical drain is to help a surgical incision heal by draining fluid from the wound. This prevents fluid buildup, which can cause infection, discomfort and swelling. Your healthcare provider will remove the tube from the incision when the amount of drainage is minimal.

How to care for the drain insertion site

Change the bandage and clean the insertion site of your drainage tube at least once a day. Caregivers will tell you if you need to do it more often. Wash your hands with soap and water.

• Remove the old bandage, being careful not to pull on the tube. Look for any new redness, pus or swelling around the tube.
• Using the cleaning solution recommended by your caregivers, clean from the insertion site outwards using a cotton swab. Repeat three or four times using a new swab each time.
• Do not re-dip used cotton swab into the cleaning solution: use a new one each time.
• Let the skin air-dry; do not blow on the site.
• Place a precut 4x4 inch bandage under the tube only touching the edges of the gauze. You may want to place another 4x4 inch gauze around the tube in opposite direction for extra absorbency.
• Loop the tubing once on top of the 4x4 bandage and securely tape. Re-pin the tab of the drain to your clothing.

How to take care of a Jackson Pratt or Hemovac Drainage system

A Jackson Pratt drain or "JP" also is called a bulb drain. A "JP" drain has a soft squeeze bulb at the end of soft plastic tubing. A Hemovac drain is shaped like a flattened disc and looks like an accordion. For proper care, wash your hands with soap and water, then:

• Open the stopper of the drain and relieve the suction.
• Turn the drain upside down over the measuring cup and empty the contents.
• Clean the stopper and mouth of the drain with an alcohol wipe.
• Press on the drain to flatten it; this will push out all the air.
• Without letting go, replace the stopper into the drain so it will provide suction.

Measure the amount of drainage in cubic centimeters (ccs). Write the amount in ccs, the color, and if there is any foul odor to the drainage on the daily drainage record. Take this record with you to your follow -up appointments.

Secure the drain with a safety pin to your clothing, remembering to keep the drain lower than the tube insertion site.

How to clear clogged tubing

• Hold the tubing closest to your skin between your thumb and first finger. This will secure the tubing from being pulled out of your skin.
• Use your other thumb and first finger to slide the clog down the tubing toward the bulb. You may have to repeat the sliding until the tubing is unclogged.

Contact your healthcare provider if:

• You drain less than 30 milliliters (2 Tablespoons) in 24 hours. This may mean your drain can be removed.
• You suddenly stop draining fluid or think your JP drain is blocked.
• You have a fever higher than 101.5° F (38.6 C).
• You have increased pain, redness, or swelling around the drain site.
• You have questions about your drain care.

Take your drainage record to your follow-up appointment.