2 months post-op but the drain is still delivering 25-30ml fluid per day. Why?

Question

I underwent Right breast mastectomy and removal of 18 lymph nodes, for breast cancer that had developed a 1.5cm tumor, as well as a secondary tumor of 0.5cm plus one lymph node that was positive. ER+, PR+ and HER2NEU Negative. Surgery was done on 6th February.The fluid discharge from the drain that is still in place, is around 25-30ml daily. It is almost 8 weeks now, post surgery. I am expecting this is to be removed on 6th April when I see my surgeon. Any suggestions are welcome.

Heather Richardson, MD, FACS · Answer

Is the drainage clear and yellow in color? Or cloudy like milk at all? If it is clear and yellow, and there is no plastic expander or implant in place, it's probably safe to remove it and to give your body a chance to see if it will not make fluid on its own. If it does, it can be drained. If there is plastic in place or if the fluid is milky, it may take additional intervention. Talk to your surgeon and good health to you!

Leslie Memsic, MD, FACS · Answer

Sorry to hear about your drain issue. The criteria for drain removal is generally drainage less than 30cc within 24 hours, but after several weeks, many surgeons will remove the drain regardless to minimize infection. In some cases, the drain is thought to increase drainage via irritation. Activity increases drain outpu but you need to move. I hope you lose your drain at your next appointment. Good luck and take care.

Robert Whitfield, MD · Answer

The drain is removed when there is 25-30 cc in 24 hours.  If this is the case then it can be removed.  Hope all goes well.

Tahira Prendergast, MD, FACS · Answer

Every surgeon has different criteria for removal of drains. I like when its less than 30 mls a day so you are almost at that point. Discuss this with your surgeon at your visit.

2 months post-op but the drain is still delivering 25-30ml fluid per day. Why?

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