Question:
Excessive drainage from my G tube 18 days post op.

I still have my G tube in 18 days post op because it won't stop draining. Has anyone else had this before? My physician hasn't ran across this before either. Everthing else is fine but I have to wear a drain bag. Any information would be appreciated.    — Steve S. (posted on October 7, 2001)

October 7, 2001
Hi. OK, I'm a little confused. I had a G-tube, but it was for supplemental feedings and possibly to give medications. It wasn't a drain. The drain was called a J-P (Jackson-Pratt)drain and had a little bulb to collect fluid. The g-tube didn't have anywhere to drain. It did ooze stuff that was caught by the dressing around the insert site, but it never drained since it was for incoming only. Could it be your J-P drain that is still collecting fluid? If your g-tube does drain, it is only a very little excess stomach acid that may inadvertently back up. If it is your JP drain, as long as the fluid is clear, the drain can be removed after about 10 days. It doesn't have to stop totally. If it is still bright red after 18 days, have your surgeon run all kinds of tests. It may be a real problem. I had my drain removed after excessive bleeding, only to find out it had dislodged and was causing the drainage! If you like, please email me, I'm very curious as to which is causing your problem, and since I had problems with both, I may be able to share my experience with you. Good luck!
   — Maria H.