Drains from TT bulb not staying compressed? I accidentally stepped on it and pulled a bit out 1/2 to an inch at most. (Photo)

Question

I am 8 days post TT op. I have my drain in. Today I accidentally stepped on it and pulled a bit out 1/2 to an inch at most. A fee hours later the bulb will not stay compressed. I squeeze it to let the air out close it and it just sucks up whatever little fluid there is immediately and blows up to normal size. It will not stay compressed like it had been, vacuuming slowly.

Allen Gabriel, MD, FACS · Answer

It sounds as you have pulled your drain out and the holes in
the tubing are now exposed.This area
helps create the vacuum while under your skin.This is not an emergency but you should contact your plastic surgeon for
possible removal of the tube.

Vincent N. Zubowicz, MD · Answer

I personally don't use drains with an abdominoplasty. However if the drain is dislodged this should be reported to your own surgeon.

Moises Salama, MD · Answer

The first thing you should do is to contact your surgeon. It is possible that by pulling on the drain, one of the small holes on the drain were exposed to the outside. This would cause the drain to lose suction. The skin opening for the drain may have been enlarged from the pulling. Placing antibiotic ointment on the drain incision may help. Please consult with your doctor.

Luis E. Redondo, MD · Answer

Your drain lost the vacuum, and it wont work as needed any more. 8 days post surgery you probably don't need it any more, visit your Plastic Surgeon ASAP so he/she decided what to do.

Frederic H. Corbin, MD (license restricted) · Answer

You have either exposed too much of the drain at the incision or made a hole in the tube leading to the bulb either way you should be seen by your surgeon to correct the problemDr Corbin

Sumanth Pagadala, MD (retired) · Answer

thanks for your question. I would advise you to contact your physician about this issue. If the drain is not maintaining a suction, it is not functioning properly and could contribute to post operative complications. Good luck

Benjamin Gelfant, MD, FRCSC (retired) · Answer

When you stepped on the drain you may have pulled it out far enough that you have lost the seal. The drain tube actually has many small holes in it, all of which are supposed to be under  the skin, and only the portion with no holes should protrude outside. When a hole in the side of the drain is exposed, a vacuum can't be created, as it will allow air to be sucked in every time you compress the bulb.You should contact your surgeon or the surgeon on call for him or her today, and ask how he or she  would like to manage this. Given that you are now 8 days post op, it may be sufficient to have the drain removed, but this is a decision only your surgeon can make. It is not an emergency, but you should get advice. Do not push the drain back in.

Drains from TT bulb not staying compressed? I accidentally stepped on it and pulled a bit out 1/2 to an inch at most. (Photo)

Answers (7)

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