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What do you do with drains after mastectomy?
Pour normal saline on a clean Q-tip and cleanse around the drain. Wipe up the excess saline with gauze. Using another Q-tip put the antibiotic ointment or Polysporin around the drain site. Place clean gauze over the drain site and tape it in place with medical tape.
How long can JP drains be left in after mastectomy?
You will have the drain(s) for at least 5 days and up to 3 weeks. Your drain will come out when the drainage is less than 30 millilitres (just over 2 tablespoons) in 24 hours for 2 days in a row. A nurse can remove your drain.
How long do drains stay in after mastectomy and reconstruction?
The surgeon closes the skin with stitches and puts in 1-2 tubes (surgical drains) so fluid from the wound can drain out (see image below). The drain(s) stays in for about a week to 10 days after surgery.
Where are JP drains placed after mastectomy?
The drainage end of the tubing (flat white part) is placed into your surgical site through a small opening near your incision. This area is called the insertion site. A suture (stitch) will hold it in place. The rest of the tube will extend outside your body and will be attached to the bulb.
When do bandages come off after mastectomy?
We will remove the dressing in seven to 10 days. We also will remove the sutures in one to two weeks unless they absorb on their own. If the dressing or steri-strips fall off, do not attempt to replace them. You may shower one day after the drain(s) is out and if you have a plastic dressing.
What is the stringy stuff in my JP drain?
There may be red stringy material in the drainage. These are not blood clots—DO NOT WORRY! This material does, however, tend to block the tubing. You may need to “milk” or “strip” the tubing.
How long do drainage tubes stay in?
Your surgeon will usually remove the bulb when drainage is below 25 ml per day for two days in a row. On average, JP drains can continue to drain for 1 to 5 weeks.
Is drain removal painful?
Having a drain removed usually does not hurt, but it can feel rather odd as the tubing slides out of the body. The incision is then covered with a dressing or left open to the air.
How do you prevent lymphedema after mastectomy?
Treatment includes ways to help prevent and manage the condition, and may include:
- Exercise. Exercise helps improve lymph drainage.
- Bandages.
- Diet and weight management.
- Keeping the arm raised.
- Preventing infection.
- Massage therapy.
Can you take care of yourself after a mastectomy?
Allow yourself to get extra rest in the first few weeks after surgery. Read more about managing fatigue. Take pain medication as needed. You will probably feel a mixture of numbness and pain around the breast incision and the chest wall (and the armpit incision, if you had axillary dissection).
What is Hemovac drain?
A Hemovac drain is placed under your skin during surgery. This drain removes any blood or other fluids that might build up in this area. You can go home with the drain still in place.
What is the yellow fluid that leaks from wounds called?
Purulent Wound Drainage Purulent drainage is a sign of infection. It’s a white, yellow, or brown fluid and might be slightly thick in texture. It’s made up of white blood cells trying to fight the infection, plus the residue from any bacteria pushed out of the wound.
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