In need of getting JP drain removed?

Question

I'm out of town of where I had my procedure done and I am due to have drain removed. I have tried going to ER and they say they won't touch it has to be original surgeon but I'm out on business and need it removed. What can I do?

S. Larry Schlesinger, MD, FACS · Answer

Functioning independently of your plastic surgeon in the early post operative period is a chancy game.  Each plastic surgeon has his or her own paradigm for drain removal.  The best advice any online RealSelf plastic surgery expert can give is to contact your own personal plastic surgeon, explain your situation, and ask for a referral.  In the past, I have gone on record stating that the three keys elements to being a good plastic surgeon are the hand (technical skill), the eye (artistic and aesthetic understanding of the area being operated on), and the heart (concern and empathy for what your patients are going through pre and post operatively).  However, I must add a new category necessary to good patient care, and that is to be an outstanding plastic surgeon, one must have friends.  Plastic surgery patients often are out of town when needs arrive or complications develop.  Involvement and participation in national and regional plastic surgery organizations allow Board Certified plastic surgeons to know their colleagues and be able, at times, to ask for colleagial support.  Another advantage of going to a Board Certified plastic surgeon is that we are networked.  In general, we will help each other by helping each other's patients.  I strongly urge you to call your personal plastic surgeon.

Jed H. Horowitz, MD, FACS · Answer

Hello and thank you for your question. You should definitely contact your own plastic surgeon and confirm the scheduled drain removal, and whether or not it can wait until you return to town. If it does in fact need to be removed while you are out of town then your own surgeon would likely be able to direct you to someone he trusts to complete the removal on his behalf. Good luck.

Ankur Mehta, MD · Answer

I think its best that you call your plastic surgeon and ask them how to proceed. Your plastic surgeon may know someone in the area you are currently in and they can ask them to see you and pull the drain. Many times, plastic surgeons are very cautious when it comes to treating anyone that has had surgery by another plastic surgeon. We believe that the surgeon that performs the surgery should be completely involved with the patient from beginning to end. Good luck and I hope this helps!Ankur Mehta MD

Vishnu Rumalla, MD · Answer

Thanks for your inquiry.  Please call your surgeon, he/she might know a colleague in the town where you are and call that surgeon to help you.  Good Luck.

Nelson Castillo, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question and I am sorry to hear of your drain pulling difficulties. I would speak to your surgeon's office about any local board certified plastic surgeons that they may know who would be willing to work with you to have the drain removed.  Alternatively it is okay to maintain the drain in place despite diminishing output as long as you don't have any signs of an insertion site infection.  Please call your surgeon's office for the most appropriate care recommendations.

Steven J. Rottman, MD, FACS · Answer

Thank you for your question and congratulations on your recent surgery. Please contact your plastic surgeon as he/she may be able to find a referral for you.  Hope this helps.

Gregory T. Lynam, MD · Answer

We often have out of town patients who get the drain removed by a nurse or family doctor to save a trip. The key is to set this up with proper communication. You cant just walk in and say pull this. You can do it yourself with again proper instruction from your doctor. Good Luck!

Sugene Kim, MD, FACS · Answer

Hi, there.If you think that your JP is in need of removal, please contact your plastic surgeon. Your plastic surgeon will 1) confirm or deny your need for drain removal, and 2) he/she can recommend a plastic surgeon who may be able to remove your drain where you are traveling at.Best regards.

Keith Denkler, MD · Answer

It may be better to leave the drain in.They are extremely cumbersome, however a seroma buildup while traveling would be more of a problemCheck in with your surgeon.

Camille Cash, MD · Answer

The best thing you can do is speak with your plastic surgeon and explain your situation.  He/She may have the name of a surgeon close to your location who can help you out.  Be sure to have output information available when you call, as that will be needed.

In need of getting JP drain removed?

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