Surgical drains are temporary tubes placed during surgery to manage fluid and promote healing at the operative site. These devices, which can be in place for days or weeks, often cause anxiety, especially regarding the removal process. Understanding the function of these drains and the removal sensation can greatly reduce apprehension. This article details the experience of having a surgical drain removed.
Why Surgical Drains Are Used
Surgical drains remove excess fluid that naturally collects following an operation. When tissues are manipulated during surgery, the body generates lymphatic fluid, blood, and other secretions as part of the inflammatory response. If this fluid accumulates, it creates a space where complications can develop.
The primary goal of a drain is to prevent the formation of a seroma (clear fluid collection) or a hematoma (clotted blood collection). Both can delay healing, increase infection risk, and prevent tissue from properly adhering to underlying muscle. Drains work either by passive flow, such as a Penrose drain relying on gravity, or through active suction, like a Jackson-Pratt (JP) or Hemovac drain. By keeping the surgical site dry, the drain reduces dead space, allowing tissue layers to stick together and heal efficiently.
What Does Drain Removal Feel Like?
The most common patient experience is intense discomfort and pressure, rather than sharp, prolonged pain. The procedure is extremely fast, typically lasting only a few seconds, which limits the duration of the unpleasant sensation. Many people describe the feeling as a strong, internal pulling or tugging sensation as the tube is drawn through the tissue tract.
A brief stinging or burning feeling often occurs right at the end, as the tip of the drain passes through the small skin incision. This happens because the tissue has formed a seal or a small amount of scar tissue around the tube while it was in place. The overall feeling is frequently characterized as “weird” or “awkward” due to the internal nature of the movement. Discomfort can vary based on the drain’s length and the amount of scar tissue built up along the tract, especially if the drain has been in place for a longer duration.
The Step-by-Step Removal Process
The drain removal process is methodically performed by a nurse or doctor to ensure patient safety and comfort. It begins with cleaning the area around the drain insertion site with an antiseptic solution and removing the old dressing.
The next step is releasing the suction on active drains by opening the collection reservoir. This allows the pressure inside the tube to equalize with the outside air, preventing the vacuum from causing tissue damage or increasing discomfort during the pull. A securing suture that holds the drain tube firmly to the skin is then carefully cut and removed.
The nurse will typically ask the patient to take a deep breath in and then exhale or cough forcefully just as the tube is being pulled. This synchronized action, sometimes called the “cough trick,” temporarily increases internal pressure, which helps distract the patient and minimize the pulling sensation. Once the tube is out, the medical staff measures the final output and applies a sterile dressing over the small exit site, which will naturally close within a few days.
Strategies for Reducing Discomfort
Patients can employ several strategies to mitigate the discomfort associated with drain removal. One effective method is ensuring pain medication is timed appropriately before the procedure. Taking a prescribed analgesic about 30 to 60 minutes prior to removal allows the medication to reach its peak effectiveness when the drain is being pulled.
During the actual removal, focusing on relaxation techniques is highly beneficial. The deep breath and forceful exhale or cough works by diverting the brain’s attention from the localized sensation. Patients should concentrate on keeping the muscles surrounding the drain site as relaxed as possible, as tensing up can increase internal friction and resistance against the tube. Simple distraction, such as talking to the nurse or focusing on a fixed point, can also help the brief moment pass more easily. After the drain is out, patients should monitor the site for any excessive leakage or bleeding and may use over-the-counter pain relievers if residual soreness persists for the first 24 to 48 hours.