Why would you use a Penrose drain?
A Penrose drain is a soft, flat, flexible tube made of latex. It lets blood and other fluids move out of the area of your surgery. This keeps fluid from collecting under your incision (surgical cut) and causing infection.
When should a Penrose drain be removed?
When should the drain be removed? Drains should be removed as soon as possible, usually within 2-4 days. Drains may need to stay in place longer for larger wounds. A sign that the drain is ready to be removed is a drastic decrease in the amount of draining fluid.
How are Penrose drains removed?
Gently pull the suture away from the skin, raising the knot slightly above the skin. You should now see both sides of the loop going into the skin. Cut only one side of the loop under the knot. The loop should now pull out through the skin, freeing the drain.
Can you shower with Penrose drain?
Be careful not to pull on drain. 4. Clean the site with normal saline and gauze. (Your child may be able to take a bath or shower and wash the area with soap and water when the Penrose drain is in place.
How long can you leave a Penrose drain in?
Penrose drains are normally retained for 3 to 5 days depending upon the volume of fluid exiting the area. They can be removed as early as 48 hours after insertion if drainage is minimal. The longer the drain is retained, the greater the likelihood of ascending infection from contamination at the drain exit.
How much drainage is normal after abdominal surgery?
Your surgeon will usually remove the bulb when drainage is below 25 ml per day for two days in a row. On average, JP drains can continue to drain for 1 to 5 weeks.
Where does a Penrose drain into?
Penrose drains placed on the head or dorsum, or exiting from the lateral or dorsal aspects of a surgical site are unlikely to function and will instead contribute to complications of wound healing.