|
| |
How to Take Care of
Your Drain
| After surgery, you
may notice one or more bulb-like bottles connected to tubing
coming from the area of the incision. This drain system suctions
and collects fluids that would other wise collect under the
incision, thus promoting faster healing. The drain(s) will stay in
place for several days and will be removed by your surgeon. While
in the hospital, your nurse will take care of it. If you go home
with a drain, you will have to take care of it yourself. |
 |
| Don't worry. It's
very easy to do. You will have to empty the bottle,
"recharge" it (see figure below) and record the amount
of fluid several times during the day. You will be instructed how
to do this before leaving the hospital. Below are several easy
steps to help you remember the process. |
 |
| 1. |
Obtain
a measuring cup.
|
| 2. |
Wash
your hands.
|
| 3. |
Unpin
the bottle from your dressing or clothing.
|
| 4. |
Open
the stopper, turn the bottle upside down and squeeze the
fluid into the measuring cup.
|
| 5. |
Record
the amount of fluid. |
|
| 6. |
Squeeze
all the air from the bottle with one hand and close the stopper
with the other hand while the bottle is still compressed.
|
| 7. |
Pin
the bottle to your dressing or clothing.
|
| 8. |
Wash
your hands again.
|
|
Note:
To prevent infection, don't let the stopper or top of the bottle
touch the cup or any other surface.
|
|
|
|
|
