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HOW TO EMPTY YOUR SURGICAL DRAIN
HOW TO EMPTY YOUR SURGICAL DRAINTRANSCRIPT (page 1 of 2)To ensure your recovery from surgery is comfortable and complication free, it’s keythat you use your surgical drain correctly, while at the same time taking steps toprevent infection.There are several different kinds of surgical drains, but no matter what type of drainyou have, all drains must be emptied on a regular basis. This is very important and isa regular part of daily care.Empty your drain when it is half full, usually every 8 to 12 hours. To empty it, alwaysfollow the specific instructions for your type of drain, but here are some general thingsto keep in mind.Gather your supplies. These should include: alcohol wipes and a notepad to writedown your fluid measurements.Do everything you can to prevent infection. Your healthcare provider may tell you towear gloves when caring for your drain. If not, wash your hands thoroughly usingsoap and warm water or an alcohol based hand sanitizer.You may be told to ‘milk’ or ‘strip’ the tube. Using your forefinger and thumb, pushany fluid that is in the tube down into the bulb. Once all the fluid is in the bulb, notethe amount of fluid by looking at the lines on the side of your collection device orcarefully pour the fluid into a measuring container and note the amount. Then, emptythe fluid into the toilet making sure no part of your drain touches the toilet and cleanthe plug or stopper with an alcohol swab. Let it air dry.Next, if your drain works with suction, squeeze the bulb until it is flat. This creates thesuction needed to drain the fluid properly. Put the plug or stopper back into the bulb,making sure it stays flat.Wash your hands again, thoroughly.20% gradient meshWrite down the amount of fluid you collected in your log book and note the color. Atfirst the fluid will be bloody. As you heal, the fluid will turn to light pink, then healthclipslightyellow and finally clear.healthclipsAnd as you heal, the amount of fluid you collect should decrease. If the amountincreases or looks bloodier than the last time you emptied your drain, call yourhealthclipshealthcare provider.healthclips(Continued on next page)4% gradient meshThis program is for informational purposes only. Publisher disclaims all guarantees regarding the accuracy, completeness, orsuitability of this video for medical decision making. For all health related issues please contact your healthcare provider.hc_qc_10029_98_en_t00002.pdf healthclips© Milner-Fenwick, Inc.5% gradient meshHOW TO EMPTY YOUR SURGICAL DRAINTRANSCRIPT (page 2 of 2)If you have any questions about emptying your drain, contact your healthcareprovider. And don’t be afraid to have a ‘cheat sheet’ close by, just in case you need it.Eventually, with time and practice, emptying your drain will become second nature toyou.20% gradient meshhealthclipshealthclipshealthclipshealthclips4% gradient meshThis program is for informational purposes only. Publisher disclaims all guarantees regarding the accuracy, completeness, orsuitability of this video for medical decision making. For all health related issues please contact your healthcare provider.hc_qc_10029_98_en_t00002.pdf healthclips© Milner-Fenwick, Inc.5% gradient mesh
General Surgery Center
Watch this to learn how to change your tracheostomy.
Watch this video to learn what a surgical drain is, how it works, and why you may need one.
Learn the proper time and method to empty and clean your drainage bag.
Watch this to learn the steps to suction your tracheostomy.
