Why do I need surgical drains?
After any surgery that creates an empty space in your tissue, your body will naturally create fluid or blood filling that empty space. This fluid needs to be removed so that the tissue can come together to heal. If this fluid builds up in the empty space, it forms a seroma which can lead to complications* such as:
-Infections
-Delayed wound healing
-Failure of the surgery requiring another surgery
How do I remove fluid?
Currently, manual suction bulbs and drains are used to help remove, collect, dispose of the fluid. These cumbersome, antiquated bulbs are attached with safety pins to your clothing. Many patients fear that the bulbs may be tugged, thus pulling out the surgical drains which can cause pain and expose you to infection. These fears and concerns add to your anxiety inhibiting your recovery and limiting your ability to return to work, interact with family, and resume daily activities.
How do I maintain my bulbs?
You and your loved ones are required to maintain and constantly monitor the surgical bulbs and drains to ensure they are working and are not clogged. If your bulb and drain are not working and clog, this may lead to fluid build-up and seroma.
This daily surgical drain maintenance involves:
- “milking” or stripping the drains
- Pouring the seroma fluid out of the bulb into a measuring cup
- Recharging the bulb
- Disposing of the fluid
When do I get my drains out?
Your drains are removed one at a time when your drainage drops below 30 cc (1 oz) per day. The manual suction bulbs are not only cumbersome and difficult to use, they do not deliver the robust, continuous suction necessary to minimize your time with drains*.
Your risk of infection increases with each passing day that the drains remain in place*. You may reduce your risks associated with the use of drains and manual suction bulbs with a modern suction device.
You Deserve Better!
