Question:
Does every operation have a drain tube post op?
I am researching my options on the LAP option, and I keep reading about the draine tubes. Does every one have draine tubes or does it depend on the Doctor. That does not sould like a good after effect. It seems to be more pain that the actual process. — Shantel D. (posted on August 15, 2002)
August 15, 2002
WEll, I had two drains (both in the same spot on my right side) with the
lap DS. I thought that drains were pretty common with open surgery as
well? I've heard of some people who only had one drain or none at all. It
really depends on the surgeon and it is determined during the surgery.
They perform a leak test after the surgery and if they suspect there may be
problems, they'll put a drain in. I had my drains out when I left the
hospital (spent 3 days in the hospital). I'm not sure if other people have
them in longer term but all the patients I knew had them out when they left
the hospital.. They are kind of a pain but serve an extremely useful
purpose. One would NOT want all that liquid trapped inside your body! I
actually still drained quite a bit for the first few days I was home.
Removing them really wasn't that bad -- not painful but a very strange
sensation. I was told to expect a kind of stinging sensation but I didn't
have that or any pain at all. Just really weird having them pulled out. I
was really stressed out right before they removed them but it really wasn't
as big a deal as I made it out to be! Now, if your drains are in longer
term, it may be more painful when they are removed... All the best, (lap
ds with gallbladder removal, January 25, 2001, 20 months post-op and still
feelin' fabu! :) preop: 307 lbs/bmi 45 5'10" now: 162 lbs/bmi 23)
— Teresa N.
August 15, 2002
I am 9 days post-op RNY Lap and I didn't have any drain tubes. It just
depends on the surgeon.
— [Deactivated Member]
August 15, 2002
I am 1 year post op and I didn't have any drains. I was an open
RNY....EEEWWWWW...the thought of drains poking out of me, gives me the
creepies.....down #136....YIPPEE!!!!
— Joi G.
August 15, 2002
My open RNY surgery was 7/2/02 and I had one drain. Its my understanding
that fat cells kinda melt when they get cut.. so the big incision from your
sternum to your belly button cuts alot of them. I thought the drain was
there to collect the 'melted fat' so it doesnt collect in your belly.
— Valerie H.
August 15, 2002
My doctor routinely leaves a drain tube in right under your left breast.
It's supposed to stay in for 10 days, unless you have problems. I started
to develop an infection and he removed it after a week. There was a lot of
drainage from the tube for about 5 days but then it tapered off very
quickly. I had a lap rny too.
— Patty H.
August 16, 2002
RNY lap - no drains.
— jen41766
August 16, 2002
This largely depends on the surgeon and his preferences. Four of us in our
family have had lap RNY....no drains for any of us. Good luck!
— Diana T.
August 21, 2002
Had a RNY Lap too, and I did not have a drain tube. Thank God. Sounds
nasty!!!Just 6 small incisions that are healing nicely after 5 weeks.
— terri K.
August 22, 2002
I had open RNY -no drain tube and I was curious why...and asked my
surgeon's nurse...she said that the drain tube is usually only used when
the stomach is transected (to drain extra fluid and bile from the old
stomach) ...but some surgeons use them to reduce the fluid that accumulates
in your abdomen after surgery.
— Laurie V.
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