What is normal drainage after mastectomy?

What is normal drainage 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 surgical drains stay in after mastectomy?

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.

How much drainage is normal after breast reconstruction?

Most breast reconstruction patients will have surgical drains in place for 10 to 14 days. Having drains in place longer can pose a serious infection risk, so it’s rare for drains to remain in place significantly longer than two weeks.

How much drainage is normal after surgery?

The amount of serosanguineous fluid should decrease each day and the color of the fluid will turn light pink or light yellow. 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.

How do you take care of a mastectomy drain?

Follow the instructions below until your drain(s) is removed.

1. Secure the drain to your clothing. This will help prevent the drain pulling on your skin.
2. Milk the drain every 3 hours. This will prevent the drain from becoming blocked.
3. Empty the drain 2 times a day. You can empty it more often if it becomes full.

How do you reduce fluid after mastectomy?

Patients are recommended to wear compression garments for at least 2 weeks after surgery and to massage the area gently to help move the fluid out. It is important to keep the wound clean to keep out bacteria and other germs.

Can you shower with mastectomy drains?

You may shower one day after the drain(s) is out and if you have a plastic dressing. If you have gauze and paper tape, you may remove it two days after surgery and shower after that. Use a towel to dry your incision thoroughly after showering. Be careful not to touch or remove the steri-strips or sutures.

Can you shower with surgical drains?

You may shower after you remove the bandage, but don’t take a tub bath or submerge the area in water (such as in a bathtub or swimming pool) until your incision is completely closed and there’s no drainage. Wash the site gently with soap and rinse the area with warm water. Pat the area dry.

What causes fluid buildup after mastectomy?

Surgery causes damage to the blood and lymph vessels and surrounding tissue. An inflammatory response occurs, and the severed vessels and tissues will produce clear fluid in response. This is why there is pain and swelling after surgery. In some cases, the fluid forms a pocket, which leads to the formation of a seroma.