Discharge Instructions: Caring for Your Hemovac Drainage Tube

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 is what you need to do to care for your Hemovac drainage tube.

General guidelines

• Do not sleep on the same side as the tube.
• Secure the tube and bag inside your clothing. This will prevent the tube from being pulled out.
• Take a sponge bath to avoid getting your bandage and tube site wet, unless your healthcare provider tells you otherwise.
• Ask your provider when can you take a shower or bathe.
• Ask your provider about the best way to keep the site dry when bathing or showering.

Empty the drain

Empty your drain at least twice a day. Empty it more often if needed.

• Wash hands with soap and water

• Lift the stopper. The drain will expand.
• Turn the drain upside down.
• Drain the fluid into a measuring cup.
• Record the amount of fluid each time you empty the drain. Total the amount daily. Share this information with your doctor on your next visit.
• Place the empty drain on a hard surface and press down until it is flat.
• Close the cork stopper device.
• Wash hands with soap and water after emptying drain

Change the dressing

Change the dressing around the tube every day.

• Wash your hands with soap and water.
• Remove the old bandage.
• Wash your hands again.
• Wet a cotton swab and clean around the incision and tube site. Use normal saline solution (salt and water) or potable water.
• Put a new bandage on the incision and tube site. Make the bandage large enough to cover the whole incision area.
• Tape the bandage in place.
• Wash hands with soap and water after changing the dressing

Follow-up

Make a follow-up appointment as directed by our staff.