During a mastectomy the breast is separated from subcutaneous tissue and muscle. This results in a raw surface that leaks fluid called serous fluid. Although serous fluid production is normal, we don’t want the fluid to stay inside, we want it to come out, so a drain is placed. There are different types of drains. Dr. Miltenburg uses a Jackson-Pratt or JP drain. As the tissues grow together the fluid production slows down and eventually stops. This process takes about 14 days. Once drain production is less than 1 ounce (30 ml or 30 cc) in 24 hours, the drain can be removed.
Follow these instructions carefully to keep drains working properly and prevent infection.
You will need:
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