Permanent Rocket Drain for Aceties

[Mango5cm]

my son has had a Rocket Drain in his left side for 2 years . He’d like to know if anyone else has had one for a length of time and if there have been any issues with it . Normally they’re not left in for this length of time . Thank you

[Glorydays2]

Hi Mango5cm, My husband has just had a rocket drain fitted. This is giving him a lot of pain from the surgery and we have had to go back to the hospital repeatedly to have the entry site reglued as it keeps leaking. I hoped that the rocket Drain would resolve the leaking problems that we were getting with the paracentesis (every 14 days).

How does your son cope with the rocket drain being in permanently? is it always painful? We were hoping that there were more positives than negatives going forwards with having this fitted. wishing you and your son well.

[Mango5cm in reply to Glorydays2]

Hi - I’m sorry to hear your husband is having problems with the rocket drain . My sons didn’t leak and he still needed draining every week upto 12 litres. In November last year he had a TIpS procedure and he takes water tablets now . This has reduced the drain to every two weeks usually 5 to 6 litres. He does cramp like pains after a drain but they usually go away after a day or two .i go hope your husband improves -it’s so difficult for them and the family . Sending you best wishes Carol x

[Glorydays2 in reply to Mango5cm]

Hi Carol, thank you for your reply. Hubbys Rocket Drain is going to be emptied 2/3 times a week at home, taking between 1/ 2ltrs each time, which should make his life easier. And of course less trips to the hospital. Unfortunately he is unable to tolerate water tablets or the TipS procedure. He has been taking part in a study 'REDUCe2' which is looking into how to manage the ascites due to Liver disease, hence the Rocket Drain being fitted.

Its early days with the surgery so I am assuming it will take time for the wound to heal around it and get use to it being there. He is also suffering cramp like symptoms in his lower belly. best wishes Annie x