Drainage is an essential part of every surgery, whether it’s a basic root canal or a complicated face lift. After any operation, your surgeons may recommend that you have your drains removed before they’re fully discharged, and some patients will choose to have them out even sooner. The frequency with which you should have your drains inspected will depend on the type of surgery you’ve had, how much time has passed since your procedure, and any additional complications you might be experiencing. For example, if you’ve had a colostomy or an ileostomy and your surgeon has recommended keeping your drains in for 10 days, then you can expect them to be brought out sooner if there are any signs of problems. However, if you had an uneventful colon resection and your stoma has settled nicely, then your drains may stay in for the full 10 days. The general rule is that drains should be kept in for about 7 days after surgery, but that could take longer if there are complications or if you’re taking drugs that could affect your immune system (e.g., chemotherapy).
What are drains used for?
Drains are used to collect fluid that is released from the tissues during an operation and to avoid infections that can occur after surgery. They are usually made of plastic and are inserted under the skin near the operation site. The drains can be removed once the fluid has been collected for a certain amount of time, which can range from 2 to 7 days. Different types of drains are used for different surgeries, but most drains consist of a tube with a plastic trap that collects fluid.There are different types of drains, depending on the type of surgery and your surgeon’s recommendations:
An abdominal drain is used for abdominal surgery, such as bowel resection. It is usually kept in for 2-3 days.
A chest tube is used to treat pneumothorax, hemothorax, and cardiac surgery. It usually remains in place for 1-2 days.
A pelvic drain is used to treat gynecological or rectal surgery. It is usually kept in for 5-7 days.
Drainage after a bowel resection
A bowel resection, also called a colectomy, is a major operation to remove part of the colon. It’s most commonly used to treat bowel cancer, but it can also be used to treat other forms of bowel disease.During a bowel resection, the surgeon will remove a section of the bowel and then staple the healthy ends together to close the incision. After the resection, an abdominal drain is used to collect any fluid that may build up around the site. The drains are usually kept in for 2-3 days, and then they are removed.If you had a colostomy or an ileostomy during your bowel resection, then the drains are usually kept in for 5-7 days.
Drainage after a cesarean section
A cesarean section, also called a c-section, is a common type of surgery to deliver a baby. During a cesarean section, the uterus is cut open and the baby is delivered through an incision in the abdomen. If your surgeon has to perform a hysterectomy during the surgery for any reason, then a pelvic drain is used to collect fluid that may build up around the site. The drains are usually kept in for 3-5 days.Drainage is also used after all other types of gynecological surgeries, such as a hysterectomy, salpingectomy, and endoscopy. The drains are usually kept in for 5-7 days, but they can be kept in for longer if there is a risk of infection.
Drainage after an endoscopy and colonoscopy
An endoscopy is a procedure that allows your surgeon to look inside your digestive tract at a specific site. A colonoscopy is a type of endoscopy that is used to look at the large bowel.A colonoscopy and an endoscopy both require the use of a bowel-cleansing solution to reduce the risk of infection. The cleanser is a liquid that is injected into the colon to flush out bowel contents. The use of a bowel-cleaning solution can cause a certain amount of fluid to build up around the site of the operation. To prevent infection, a pelvic or abdominal drain is often used to collect the fluid.
Drainage after a laparoscopic surgery
A laparoscopic surgery is a type of operation where your surgeon makes small openings in your abdomen and inserts instruments through the openings to perform your procedure. Because the incisions are smaller than in open surgeries, the risk of infection is lower. To reduce the risk even further, a pelvic or abdominal drain is used to collect fluid that might build up during the operation. The drains are usually kept in for 5-7 days.
Drainage after an abdominal hernia repair
An abdominal hernia repair is a type of surgery that focuses on repairing a tear in the abdominal wall. To do the repair, a hernia patch is sewn on either side of the tear, and then a mesh is placed over the entire area to reinforce the repair. The mesh is an open type that covers the entire abdomen and is held in place with sutures.Because the mesh is placed over the entire abdominal wall, it can sometimes become infected. To prevent this from occurring, a pelvic or abdominal drain is used to collect fluid that might build up around the operation site. The drains are usually kept in for 2-5 days after the operation.
Drainage after a laparoscopic hernia repair
A laparoscopic hernia repair is a type of operation where your surgeon makes small openings in your abdomen and inserts instruments through the openings to perform your procedure. Because the incisions are smaller than in open surgeries, the risk of infection is lower.To reduce the risk even further, a pelvic or abdominal drain is used to collect fluid that might build up during the operation. The drains are usually kept in for 5-7 days.
Drainage after an open hernia repair
An open hernia repair is a type of surgery that focuses on repairing a tear in the abdominal wall. To do the repair, a hernia patch is sewn on either side of the tear, and a mesh is placed over the entire area to reinforce the repair. The mesh is an open type that covers the entire abdomen and is held in place with sutures.Because the mesh is placed over the entire abdominal wall, it can sometimes become infected. To prevent this from occurring, a pelvic or abdominal drain is used to collect fluid that might build up around the operation site. The drains are usually kept in for 2-5 days after the operation.
Drainage after an organ transplant
Organ transplants are life-saving operations that replace a failing organ with a healthy