Drain removal; Can a registered nurse safely pull them instead of my PS?

Not all nurses (or medical assistants or physician assistants) have the same skills and experience.  Certainly if the physician extender has been trained in drain removal and is experienced it could be done.  I have several nurses that routinely remove drains when the outputs are at the recommended level.  You should discuss this with your surgeon.  Good luck.

A nurse is able to remove the drains, however it should not be done without discussion and approval by your plastic surgeon.  Try to contact your surgeon and have information available regarding the amount of output from each drain from the previous days.  Also, be sure to inform him/her about the discomfort you are experiencing at the drain site.Best wishes.

Hi,

Thanks for posting your question. I am happy to try and help you. It is
important to remember that a board certified plastic surgeon will be your best
resource when it comes to an accurate assessment of your situation, and
concerns.

Having said that,  pulling a drain out does not require a nurse. It does require the doctors advisement or direction.


Best wishes,

Dr. Michael J. Brown
Northern Virginia Plastic Surgeon

Yes a nurse can pull your drain but I recommend speaking to your plastic surgeon first. Your PS may have specific reasons as for keeping a drain. The most common reason for a drain is to remove fluid, a second reason for a drain is to create negative pressure under your skin so your skin can adequately adhere to the underlying tissue. I would not remove your drain before speaking to your PS. 

Yes, a registered nurse ( especially under the employment/guidance of your plastic surgeon) can remove drains.  Best to run your concerns/questions directly by your plastic surgeon for specific/relevant advice. Best wishes.

Thank you for your question.  Sorry to hear about the situation.  It is important not to pull drains if the output is higher than desired.   I understand your concern about the drains being present for another few days.  As there is always a small chance an infection could develop it is unlikely.  Having the drains a few more days won't have an impact on your scarring either.  It seems your PS scheduled you to have them removed at the next possible day the office was open.    It is ok for a nurse to pull drains but only if that nurse works for your PS.  I would never let any nurse outside of my practice pull a drain.   Also, an RN outside of the practice would not want the liability of pulling your drains.  I recommend being patient and keeping your appointment on monday with your PS.  

You have to discuss this with your surgeon. A qualified nurse certainly can remove drains, but again you should discuss this with your surgeon.