What kind of drains to expect?

[Pepper1382 35]

Ok so I am a nurse and scheduled for sleeve surgery 2/24. Being in the medical field makes these things a little more difficult as I sometimes know too much for my own good. So as far as drains post op, I have been very apprehensive questioning my surgeon too much about it. He had mentioned to me that he does not leave an NG tube (tube up the nose into the stomach) or a drain unless necessary. So my question is, what kind of drains did you guys have? Is it common to have a Foley (catheter in the bladder)? Thanks everyone!

[Jdub 109]

I think it depends on the surgeon and the procedure. I had no tubes, nor did I have a catheter for my procedure. I'm sure others will chime in and give their thoughts as well as I've seen a lot of different responses to this type of question. I just straight out asked my surgeon if I needed a catheter and he told me no.

[magtart 603]

I had a catheter, but no drains.

[Susysleever 265]

Jackson-Pratt by the photos posted

[Bufflehead 6,358]

J-P drain (standard for my surgeon) that came out about 30 hours after surgery, no catheter.

[Miss Mac 6,262]

Catheter, no drains

[princesstami 94]

Hi,

If I had a foley - it was in and out during surgery because I have no memory of it.

I did have a Jackson-Pratt drain. It wasn't bad at first and drained a lot so I was grateful as it speeds healing and reduces swelling. With that said, the last few days I had it, the draining stopped and it leaked a bunch at the entrance site - actually it leaked around it the entire time I had it. Overall it was a good thing but I believe I had mine a few days too long - got it out the day after Christmas (holiday effect). Today I am 2 weeks out and my abdomen is completely healed, for that I am very thankful. Each surgeon has his own preferences and there are many people who did not have them and they did just fine as well.

[Fluffnomore 1,235]

No drains, no catheter.

[VSG AJH 499]

I had no drain (although my doc's nurse did mention it was always a possibility). Re: a catheter: unless they put it in and removed it in the OR, I didn't have one. I was a bit loopy as they wheeled me back, and totally out within seconds after transferring from the gurney to the operating table. Seriously, one of the very easiest operations I've ever, ever done. I recall nothing humiliating.

[Dr-Patient 830]

It's a J-P drain. Mine stayed in for a week. No pain upon removal. I did not even feel the drain UnTIL after all the CO2 had gone from my abdomen. With the gas all gone, your organs are contiguous with the tube, and you'll feel it more, but it's no biggie.

[nrodriguez67 4]

My surgeon left my JP Drain in until my two week post op visit. I think I had a catheter just during surgery but I have no memory of it. The JP drain was irritating and I was so glad to get it removed.