Stomach drain

[Puggypip]

Hi everyone,my consultant has booked me in for a stomach drain next week. I haven't had one before so can anyone tell me what to expect and shed some light on this for me?

Thanks in advance 👍

[TT-2018]

Hi,

I was drained regularly in the day unit, if it is the same for you then get there as soon as they open. They insert a cannula and take your blood. Wear loose clothing and take something to read. When you get the blood results, the doctor will arrive and use a syringe to draw off a couple of small bottles of fluid, this is tested for infection etc. They then insert an approximate 6” needle attached to a tube, using a local anaesthetic. If they can’t locate the largest pocket of fluid, they might use a mobile ultrascan machine.

All being well, they will drain off as much fluid as possible and give you a 250ml bottle of albumin for every litre they drain off. It’s uncomfortable but not painful. Removing the needle is straightforward but the drain sight can continue to leak, so ask for spare dressings and remember that the drain site is an infection risk. You should be able to drive yourself home and all being well, should feel a lot more comfortable.

Good luck with everything.

[Hidden]

Hi ,

Ascites is the result of fluid building up in the abdomen. It can be uncomfortable and there can be a risk of infection in the fluid. The main treatments are diuretics medication, low salt diet and some patients have the fluid drained off, this is called paracentesis.

This is where the skin is numbed on the side of the stomach. A thin plastic tube is then inserted into the stomach to drain the fluid that has collected. It can take up to six hours to drain completely and can remove anything up to 10 litres of ascites if required. The fluid is collected into a bag attached to the plastic tube. During the procedure nurses will measure the fluid drained, regularly empty the drainage bag, check the patients temperature, pulse and blood pressure. Once all the fluid has been drained the plastic tube is removed and a clean dressing or plaster put on the tiny hole made by the plastic tube. Ascites can collect again over time so further paracentesis may be required at a later date.

Hope that is helpful and that the procedure goes well,

Warm wishes

Trust1

[Zukosmile07]

Hi pugsy. The advice I will give you is to take something to pass the time book, tablet, headphones. I always took a sandwich and a drink and settled myself in with a film on my tablet. I also started taking a notebook and writing the amount of fluid drained off. The procedure is straight forward it hurts a little nothing to be worried about. You will feel so much better the day after (I could do cartwheels, teehee). All the best.....

Danny x

[deanw41]

Uncomfortable but not painful. I thought my tummy would pop like an over due spot and spray across the room and it would deflate instantly!! Clearly that’s not how it goes🤦‍♂️. Six hours,10 litres and home. Good luck!!! Make sure you phone is charged!!!

[cammeag]

The tube insertion does not hurt if your doc takes their time. Once its in get seated comfortable enough, semi recline if you can. The discomfort only comes from moving, so your stuffed if your a fidget😂. Plus, all the above. Oh yes, and dont worry…it is dine tens of thousands of times every week. These people are brilliant at their job. All the best

[deanw41 in reply to cammeag]

Yes do not fidget!!!!

[Delboytrotter]

I never had anything like that but I was wondering if getting one would help with my fat stomach

[AyrshireK in reply to Delboytrotter]

Del, a drain is for getting rid of retained fluid/ascites - it can't do anything for removal of tummy fat. Only healthy eating and exercise is going to help you with that side of things.

Katie

[Delboytrotter in reply to AyrshireK]

Yeah I know that but I was just wondering if that's what is making my stomach big and feel solid at times or could it be my umbilical hernia

[Readlots]

My mum had Ascites drained and didn’t mind it at all. She went in as a day patient and a lovely nurse stayed with her the whole time. They had a good old chat and she looked forward to going the next time.