Drain Management: How to Care for Your Drain
After surgery, a drain may be placed to help remove excess fluid from the surgical site, promoting healing and reducing the risk of complications.
Proper management of your surgical drain is essential for a smooth recovery. This factsheet provides important information on how to care for your drain, recognise signs of complications, and maintain hygiene to ensure optimal healing.
Following these guidelines will help you feel more comfortable and empowered as you navigate your recovery journey.
To empty bulb into drainage bag:
To effectively empty the bulb into the drainage bag. follow these detailed steps:
- Wash Hands: Begin by thoroughly washing your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds to reduce the risk of infection
- Clamp Tubing: Locate the tubing connected to the drain and gently clamp it shut to prevent any fluid from flowing back into the bulb during the process
- Open Clamp to Drain Bag: Carefully open the clamp on the drainage bag to allow for proper drainage
- Squeeze Bulb: Firmly but gently squeeze the bulb to expel the fluids into the drainage bag. Ensure that you are applying enough pressure to empty the bulb completely
- Clamp Drain Bag: Once all fluid has been transferred, securely clamp the drainage bag to stop any further flow
- Open Tubing Clamp: Open the clamp on the tubing to restore the flow of fluid back to the bulb, allowing for future drainage
- Wash Hands: Finish the process by washing your hands again to maintain hygiene and prevent any risk of infection
To change the drainage bag at 0700, follow these steps:
- Wash Hands: Begin by thoroughly washing your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds to maintain hygiene
- Clamp Tubing: Gently clamp the tubing to prevent fluid from flowing back while changing the bag
- Open Clamp to Drain Bag: Carefully open the clamp on the drainage bag to allow any remaining fluid to flow out
- Squeeze Bulb: Squeeze the bulb to push any fluids through to the drain bag
- Clamp Drain Bag: Once the fluid is drained, clamp the drain bag to stop any further flow
- Unscrew and Replace Drainage Bag: Carefully unscrew the drainage bag from the tubing and replace it with a new bag. ensuring a secure fit
- Open Tubing Clamp: Open the clamp on the tubing to restore fluid flow into the new bag
- Wash Hands: Finish by washing your hands again to maintain cleanliness
- Document Fluid Amount: Record the amount of fluid collected in the new bag for reporting to your doctor
Disclaimer: This fact sheet provides general information only and is not intended to replace professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. For specific advice regarding your health or medical concerns, please consult your healthcare provider. Burnside Hospital does not accept any responsibility for any loss or damage arising from reliance on the information provided. In case of urgent medical needs, please contact your nearest emergency department.
Created: August 2025