Blood clotting in my drains, is this normal?

Question

I had my TT yesterday and I have had a plumonary embolism in the past. My drain tubes are beginning to back up with blood that has clotted. Is this normal?

Richard G. Schwartz, MD · Answer

It is common to see a thin strand of clotted blood within a closed surgical suction drain, especially at the connection to the reservoir bulb.  Usually this doesn’t block the drain, and blood flows around these strands.  I think these thin clotted strands  probably form due to the slow blood flow in the drains.  They are not a sign of clots within your blood vessels.

Stephen T. Greenberg, MD, FACS · Answer

Hi there and thanks for your question! Yes, it is common for blood to begin clotting in the drain tubes if the blood is static. I recommend taking an alcohol pad and milking the drains to force the clot and remaining blood into the bulb.  I suggest calling or seeing your plastic surgeon for his/her advice...best of luck!

Dana Goldberg, MD · Answer

Don’t panic. Clots in drains are common and don’t necessarily mean you are in a hypercoaguable (pro-clotting) state. We have our patients strip drains if they clot, but I would touch base with your surgeon before manipulating the drains if it hasn’t been discussed.

Aldo Guerra, MD · Answer

Greetings MsAbril.I suggest you talk to your plastic surgeon about your drains and the blood clots in your drain tubes. Generally speaking, small clots can be seen in the drain under normal circumstances, but on post op day #1 if there's always a concern about bleeding - therefore, your doctor needs to know! If the output of the drain is low then that's good news versus high outputs. Talk to your PS. Good luck and congratulations!Dr. ALDO

Joshua Kreithen, MD · Answer

Dear MsAbril,
It is normal to have some clotting in your drain bulbs/tubes.  However, I would recommend to contact your PS for exam/evalutation to fully assess your post operative situation.  Good luck and hope this helps!

Camille Cash, MD · Answer

It is not unusual to have small clots in your drain tubes.  If the bulb portion remains compressed then suction should be occurring.  It is best that you speak with your surgeon if you have questions or concerns.  Drains do require some minor home care including emptying them and measuring content.  Speak with your surgeon to learn more.

Jonathan Berman, MD · Answer

It is normal for the drain to clot on occasion. To clear the tubing, you or your plastic surgeon may need to milk the tube by grasping it firmly near the place where it leaves the skin to stabilize it. With your other hand, pinch the tubing with your thumb and pointer finger and slide your fingers down the tube. This should clear the clot.

Gary L. Ross, MBChB, FRCS · Answer

Yes blood can clot in drains. It has no bearing on the possibility of PE. If the drains are not draining you are best to see your PS to see whether they are working and if working and there is no drainage whether they can be removed.

Melinda Lirag Lacerna-Kimbrell, MD, FACS · Answer

Thanks for your question. It is normal for blood to clot in the drains. I recommend “milking” the drain tubes, or squeezing the clot out towards the bulb while applying counter tension near the skin, so the drain does not come out completely. If unsure how to do this let your PS do it for you.Good luck and recover well!

Blood clotting in my drains, is this normal?

Answers (9)

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