Drains

[HeatherL 40]

I had a drain that was removed before I left the hospital. The nurse just put gauze and tape over the hole where it came out and told me I could take the bandages off in 48 hours. So I took it off tonight and it's just a hole. It hasn't closed. Nothing is coming out and it looks clean and not infected. Is this normal? I put fresh gauze and band aids over it but not sure if this is normal.

[jenni9579 18]

The same exact thing happened to me. And I was told the same thing too. In my experience, if its not oozing or draining and it's just a clean hole, then leave it uncovered to the air so it will heal quicker. That's why my surgeon told me anyway. Good luck.

[Arts137 1,811]

Yes, normal... Don't 'fiddle with it' keep changing any cover/dressing and it will heal over and be gone!

[PGee 318]

I know it didn't look pretty with my steri strips and the gaping hole where the drain was, but when I took the dressing off, I left my midriff bare so the air could get to it....good luck!

[marfar7 1,533]

I had 1 nylon stitch that stuck out about 1/3 of an inch outside of my clothes. Had it till my 4th weeks post op appt. When the nurse saw it, she apologized. They were sposed to take it out when they took my drian out before discharge. Oopy. Drove my crazy. Was always sticking my arm.