Question:
Why has my Dr left my tubes and stitches in so long?

My wls was 12/6/02 I went back to Dr 12/12/02 and he took tube with bulb out. appt for next visit was made for 1/16/03 I'm sore, can't move to well. the holes around the tubes looks like they are trying to heal around the tubes. The drainage he did take out finally stopped draining but the one still in is still draining. Why is everyone eles takes less time.    — Naes Wls J. (posted on January 7, 2003)

January 7, 2003
Why aren't you calling your surgeon and asking him this question? I had two Jackson-Pratt drains and they stayed in from 7/17 (the date of my surgery) until 8/6 (which was the day of my first post-op appointment)...JR (open RNY 07/17 -139 lbs)
   — John Rushton

November 2, 2004
Wow, how time do fly. from experience I now can answer my own questions. as I type I'm in recovery from having my TT, 25 lbs remove.10/19/04 and I'm nursing my incisions and 3 JP tubes which is over my private area. this is what JP tubes are for.. <b>Drains are soft rubber tubes that remove extra fluid from the operative site into a special suction reservoir. A soft rubber tube with holes sits inside the wound and connects by another soft tube to a reservoir. Fluid is removed by the suction of the reservoir bulb. Having a drain minimizes fluid collection that otherwise might need to be removed. Drains come in different sizes, shapes, and have different names. This Jackson Pratt suction bulb removes extra fluid when compressed and the small drainage valve is closed. Extra fluid is removed through this port. Each case must be individually evaluated during surgery. Having drains in place are better than needing to remove extra fluids with a syringe and needle through the skin after surgery. Drains are placed just above the fascia / muscle under the flaps. Designing the operation to minimize excess fluids so that drains are not needed means increased comfort for the patient, something less to manage after surgery, and no drain exit point through the skin.</b>
   — Naes Wls J.