How to clean the drainage sites after drain removal?

Question

Drains were removed 11/22. I know im suppose to keep the drainage sites clean, What are the suggestions in keeping the sites clean and free from infections? One of my sites are still leaking fluids. Just want to take the proper precautions in cleaning the area. Thank You

Jerome Edelstein, MD · Answer

Hello,Thank you for your question. Drain sites generally close without issue in a few days if kept clean and protected. I advise my patients to wash with mild soap and water and cover with gaze. There may be a small amount of leakage for a few days after removal. Your surgeon may recommend a small amount of polysporin to be applied if the area appears irritated or inflamed. Let them know if you see anything concerning otherwise it should close well with minimal intervention.All the best

Thomas Fiala, MD, FACS, FRCSC · Answer

Here's what we suggest:Wash with Dial soap & water.  Dry.  Apply a small amount of Neosporin.  Cover with gauze - change as needed, if you still have drainage.

Kenneth Hughes, MD · Answer

Congratulations on your tummy tuck,  I would just put a dry gauze over it until it closes, no ointments every surgeon has different post op care instructions continue to follow up with your PS.

John Rosdeutscher, MD · Answer

All of the answers here are good. Normally those sites close & stop draining within a couple of days of drain removal. As long as no increased pain or fever, probably just gentle cleaning & coverage as suggested. Good idea to have your surgeon/staff take a look & make sure not infected, but unlikely without increased pain, redness or fever.

Steven Wallach, MD · Answer

Usually drain sites close down within a few days. I will often have patients just place a dry dressing over it while it still drains. Best to ask your surgeon his preference.

David Finkle, MD · Answer

Keep the area clean and dry, shower and wash the area with soap and water and apply a clean sterile dressing over the drain site.  Do not immerse under water such as a bath, spa, swimming pool, lake, river, ocean, until the wound has complelty healed.Good luck!

Bradley Remington, MD · Answer

There are several ways to treat this area - all successful.  You could simply use plain gauze/tape/bandaid over this area or you could put an ointment such as neosporin/polysporin/triple antibiotic over the site and then cover with gauze/tape/bandaid.  These sites become infection very unusually, so these methods suffice.  I would recommend covering with a thick layer of gauze with frequent changes until the drainage subsides -  typically a day or two.  I like to avoid tape and often just pad the exit site with gauze and hold it in place with the compression garment.  Thanks for your question!Cheers,Brad Remington, MD

How to clean the drainage sites after drain removal?

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