How much should a Hemovac drain?
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You have been discharged with a Hemovac drainage tube. The tube was placed in your incision to remove fluid and is attached to a drain or collection device. It will help healing and reduce the risk of infection. Expect to see fluid and blood in the drain. You may also feel some burning and pulling from the stitch that holds the tube in place. Your drain will be removed when the fluid leaking from it is less than 2 tablespoons each day. There is a bandage at the site where the tube is placed. This is to protect the open area from infection. Your stitches will be taken out 7 to 14 days after surgery. Here's what you need to do to care for your Hemovac drainage tube. Show
General guidelines
Empty the drainEmpty your drain at least twice a day. Empty it more often if needed.
Change the dressingChange the dressing around the tube every day.
Follow-upMake a follow-up appointment, or as directed. When to call your doctorCall your doctor right away if you have any of the following:
© 2000-2021 The StayWell Company, LLC. All rights reserved. This information is not intended as a substitute for professional medical care. Always follow your healthcare professional's instructions. A Hemovac drain is placed under your skin during surgery. This drain removes any blood or other fluids that might build up in this area. You can go home with the drain still in place. What to Expect at HomeYour nurse will tell you how often you need to empty the drain. You will also be shown how to empty and take care of your drain. The following instructions will help you at home. If you have questions, ask your health care provider. Emptying Your DrainItems you will need are:
To empty your drain:
Changing Your DressingA dressing may be covering your drain. If not, keep the area around the drain clean with soapy water, when you are in the shower or during a sponge bath. Ask your nurse if you are allowed to shower with the drain in place. Items you will need are:
To change the dressing:
When to Call the DoctorCall your doctor if:
Alternative NamesSurgical drain; Hemovac drain - caring for; Hemovac drain - emptying; Hemovac drain - changing dressing ReferencesSmith SF, Duell DJ, Martin BC, Gonzalez L, Aebersold M. Wound care and dressings. In: Smith SF, Duell DJ, Martin BC, Gonzalez L, Aebersold M, eds. Clinical Nursing Skills: Basic to Advanced Skills. 9th ed. New York, NY: Pearson; 2016:chap 25. Patient Instructions
Review Date 2/28/2022Updated by: Debra G. Wechter, MD, FACS, General Surgery Practice Specializing in Breast Cancer, Virginia Mason Medical Center, Seattle, WA. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, Brenda Conaway, Editorial Director, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team. What is normal drainage amount after surgery?A mild amount of drainage from the incision is normal. If the drainage fluid is thin, watery, and pinkish red, there is likely nothing to be concerned about. However, there are instances in which you should be concerned about drainage from your incision.
What is the normal amount of drainage for at tube?Drainage should NOT be more than 500 mL/day (notify MD if this happens)…the drainage will decrease as the patient recovers.
How much does a Hemovac drain hold?Hemovac drains (see Figure 4.5) can hold up to 500 ml of drainage. A Jackson Pratt (JP) (see Figure 4.6) is used for wounds anticipated to have smaller amounts of drainage. Drains are often sutured to the skin to prevent accidental removal. The drain insertion site is covered with a sterile dressing.
How much drainage is normal after neck surgery?Our study shows that, on average, the total volume of neck drainage in the morning after surgery is more than 25 ml in 79% of patients (median volume, 35 ml).
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