Question:
Why do they leave the stomach drain in for 2 wks when its not draining to anything

I was so out of it at the hospital. That I did not think to ask but at the hospital I had to tubes with drains one at the top of my stomach and one at the bottom. they completly removed the bottom one but, the top they took away the cup it was draining to and looped up the tubing and taped it to my skin. I cant get it out till I go till Wed. I feel that it is hampering my ability to do things. Really its the main thing thats hurting on me. When I do anything it pinches. Does anyone know the purpose of leaving it in, when you dont have anything to collect or empty on the drain. Sometimes its throbs. I had the full open surgery and this thing hurts worse than than my healing incision. I will be 2wks post op monday but its Wed when my appointment is.    — Rebekah P. (posted on March 1, 2003)

March 1, 2003
My surgeon requires his patients to have the tube for 6 weeks. Even if its not draining anything now doesn't mean it won't in a few days. Mine drained alot the first couple of weeks and then slacked off for a week and then started again. Some people say that if you are nauseous, draining will help. I never had nausa so I don't know if thats accurate. Some surgeons do not require a tube at all. I am glad I had mine simply because I had heard about people who had theirs taken out too soon and it had to be put back in. OUCH! Two weeks isn't long...Hang in there!...Karen (5 1/2 mons. post op and down 114 pounds!)
   — karmiausnic

March 2, 2003
Hi, I had my tube stay in for about 4 weeks after surgery. My doctor said in case anything was to happen, they could feed you through it. Also, When I felt sick, it did help to drain it. And I was able to give myself fluids through it. Although, I didn't find that out until he took it out. Hang in there!!
   — Des812

March 3, 2003
I had a stomach tube (a g-tube) for 2 weeks. My Dr said that if you are going to have a leak it will happen in the first 2 weeks, if that happens you have to quit eating, the tube goes to the bottom, larger part of the stomach and you can be fed thru the g-tube until you are able to eat again. I got sick after eating as egg too soon and I was able to keep from getting dehydrated because I was able to give myself water thru the g-tube.
   — Lynnette B.