What's the longest amount of time I can keep my drain in?

Question

I'm draining roughly 50cc(the amount required to remove drain) I wondered whether keeping my drain in for a week of two longer can be beneficial to avoiding complications eg. Seromas Or hazardous to healing? Please advise, Many thanks in advance :-)

Nana N. Mizuguchi, MD, FACS · Answer

Really depends on the type of surgery performed and the amount of time after surgery and the drain output pattern.  For my patients, it takes 10-14 days.  I have had some in for 3-4 weeks. IF the output is high, I think it is important to keep it in to minimize seroma formation.Best Wishes,Nana Mizuguchi

Jerome Edelstein, MD · Answer

Hello,I recommend that you follow your Plastic Surgeon's advice regarding how long the drain should stay in. If the output becomes acceptably low then it will be best to have it out and decrease the risk of infection. All the best

Robert Frank, MD · Answer

I wouldn't plan to keep your drains to prophylax against seromas. If the volume is low enough, I'd get them out. The problem is that drains are two way streets and just as you get fluid out, bacteria can enter. Seromas are unfortunately, fairly common but keeping your drains longer isn't the way to handle the problem. Good luck

Camille Cash, MD · Answer

It is best to follow your surgeon's advice regarding drain removal.  Once the collection level is below a certain threshold the drains have done their job and are ready to be removed.  While they certainly are helpful in preventing fluid collection, they also are a portal for bacteria to potentially enter.  It's best to have them removed when indicated.

Kiran Polavarapu, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question. I recommend following your plastic surgeon's advice. 50cc is more than what I like in my practice before removal. Keeping a drain in for extended periods of time can increase infection, but removing it too early can cause a seroma. Your plastic surgeon would have to make the safest and best decision for you.

Sugene Kim, MD, FACS · Answer

Hi, there.  There is no absolute number of days/weeks to keep the drains.  All plastic surgeons differ on their post-op instructions.  I have my patients keep the drain until it is less than 30cc over 24 hours. It is always weighing the risks and benefits.  Drains are place to avoid seroma; however, anything left in our body can cause infection.  Once you do not need a drain, please do not keep it more than necessary.  It would be best to listen to your plastic surgeon's advice.  Best wishes with your recovery.

Neil T. Chen, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question. While each doctor set the threshold for remove the drain tubes, I usually set it at 25 cc per drain per day. I use two drains. The reason for leaving the drain tubes in is to decrease ti chance of fluid collection (seroma). However, leaving the tubes in too long can increase the chance of infection at the tune sites and potentially into deeper space. A lot of it is judgment call. You should discuss with your PS.

What's the longest amount of time I can keep my drain in?

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