Have you had a tube inserted after surgery? Let's learn about the Penrose Drain!

You may have a small rubber tube left in your wound after surgery. It can be scary and uncomfortable to see. But it's a very important part of helping your wound heal faster. Let's take a look at what a Penrose Drain is, why it's placed, and how to properly care for it at home.

What is this Penrose Drain?

Simply put, it's a very soft, flexible rubber tube. After surgery, blood, lymph, and other fluids can collect inside the wound. If these remain inside, there's a much greater chance of bacteria growing and causing an infection .

The Penrose drain is used to drain the excess fluid from the wound. This reduces the risk of infection and helps the wound heal faster.

Think of it like a small straw. But this is very soft. This is placed inside the wound, to close the skin of the wound and stop the fluid from getting trapped inside.

How does this work?

This works in a very simple way. It does not involve any machines or suction. It works on the basis of gravity . That is, it uses the normal tendency of fluid to flow downwards to drain the fluid that collects inside the wound through this tube. This is why it is also called a "passive drain".

During surgery, the doctor will place most of the tube inside the wound, and a small piece will be pulled out. Usually, a small suture is placed on the skin to prevent the tube from moving around. Sometimes, a small safety pin may be placed on the outside corner of the tube to prevent it from moving back into the body.

In what cases is a Penrose Drain needed?

The main thing is to prevent infection after surgery. Sometimes it is also used to drain an existing infection, such as pus.

• Draining abscesses: Sometimes pus collects in one place on our body and forms an abscess. This tube is used to drain the pus.
• After abdominal surgery: This is used to remove fluid that accumulates in the abdomen after surgery, such as a hernia.

How do I take care of this tube and wound at home?

The most important thing to do in this case is to change the dressing, or bandage, on time . This dressing usually has two pieces of gauze. One is placed under the tube to absorb the fluid. The other is placed on top to cover and protect the tube.

Your doctor will probably tell you to keep a record of the fluid coming out. This means things like how wet the gauze is, what color the fluid is, and whether there is a bad smell. These are important information for your doctor about how your wound is healing.

Things you need to change the dressing for

• Two gauze squares
• Two pieces of surgical tape
• Clean scissors (this is only necessary, cut the gauze neatly around the tube)
• A pair of clean non-sterile gloves
• A small clean washcloth
• A clean towel
• Soap and water

How to change the dressing step by step

1. First, wash your hands thoroughly: Wash your hands thoroughly with soap for at least 20 seconds, then dry them with a clean towel. Use the same towel to turn off the faucet.

2. Remove the old dressing: Slowly remove the tape and remove the old gauze pieces. Be very careful not to pull on the tube at this point. Now check how wet the gauze is, the color of the fluid, and what it smells like. Remember to tell your doctor about these details.

3. Wash your hands again and clean the wound: Now put on your gloves. Use soap and water to gently clean under and around the tube. Then rinse with water and pat dry with another clean towel. (Sometimes your doctor will tell you to take off the dressing and take a shower. This will allow the soapy water to drain over the wound.)

4. Apply the new dressing: Place a new piece of gauze under the tube so that it touches the skin. If there is a safety pin, it should be on top of the gauze. Then place the other piece of gauze on top of the tube and tape it in place.

5. Finally: Remove the used gloves and old dressing, and wash your hands thoroughly again.

How often should I change the dressing?

You usually have to change it at least twice a day. But the most important thing is to follow your doctor's instructions exactly.

How long will this Penrose Drain last?

It depends on the surgery you had, the size of the wound, and the amount of fluid that comes out. Usually, the fluid stops coming out in a few days. The doctor will tell you when you need to come back to have the tube removed. Removing it is very simple and painless.

When you need to call the doctor immediately

If you experience any of the following symptoms of an infection, call your doctor without delay .

What is the difference between the Jackson-Pratt (JP) drain and the Penrose drain?

You may have also heard of a Jackson-Pratt drain (JP drain). It's also a tube that drains fluid from wounds. But there's a key difference.

• The Penrose drain is a passive drain , meaning that the liquid simply flows under gravity.
• The JP drain is an active drain . It has a small bulb-like device attached to the outside of the tube. The pressure (suction) created when the bulb is squeezed draws fluid out of the wound. The bulb is marked in milliliters (ml), so you can measure exactly how much fluid has come out.