Questions about post transplant surgery JP drain

[Grammy820]

Did anyone have a JP drain after kidney transplant surgery? I have had a drain for 6 weeks and it’s still collecting 100cc of fluid. My doctors want it to get to 25cc which seems like it’ll be awhile longer. If you had a drain how long did you have it? Just trying to get an idea of the longest time. Thanks!

[Darlenia]

Hi! The length of time probably depends on your situation. My husband didn't have a JP drain at the time of the transplant. He received the JP drain after a leak formed in the new kidney's ureter (urine poured through his incision) which required an additional stent in the area to allow it to heal. As soon as the leak healed, the stent and JP drain was removed. My husband doesn't remember the exact length of time he had the drain, but believes he had it for 6 weeks to 8 weeks. The drain didn't seem to work very well for us, most of his drainage came directly through his transplant incision. In my personal opinion, yours seems to be functioning well. We were so happy when it was removed, I'm sure you will be too.

[Grammy820 in reply to Darlenia]

Thank you so much for your response. Yes, I will be relieved when my drain is removed. My drain was also added 2 days after the initial surgery when excess fluid compressed the renal vein causing the new kidney to be compromised. Glad your husband is doing well.

[Darlenia in reply to Grammy820]

Oh my, I wondered if you'd had a complication with your transplant since JP drains seem to only be put in then. Transplants definitely are serious procedures; some of us experience that first hand. Wishing you the very best!

[larrymontague826]

I had my transplant almost three years ago. I went back to the hospital once a week for three weeks. They removed my drain on the third week. I think it is different for most everybody. I am sure you can trust your transplant personal to do the right thing. Good Luck.

[WYOAnne NKF Ambassador]

Prayers that all goes well for you and can have the drain removed soon!

[Grammy820 in reply to WYOAnne]

Thank you!

[Alfredmynewkidney]

I had my JP drain for almost a month. It was put in during the initial surgery. They kept it until it wasn't draining as much. I wore skirts with a pocket to put it in. I had my transplant 4/20/20. It will get better!

[Grammy820]

Thank you! I’ve had mine for 6 weeks and in the last couple of days it’s draining more rather than less. I guess it’s good it’s getting out and not creating an issue internally.

[Darlenia in reply to Grammy820]

Hmm... As a precaution, I think I would let the transplant team know you're draining more. They may want to do an ultrasound just to make sure nothing additional has surfaced. We did that just to make sure things were still on track. Just a suggestion.

[Grammy820]

Yes, I will do that. Thanks!

[bluekidney]

I had a drain put it in after surgery however my body pushed out the tube and they weren’t able to push it back in so they removed it that same day. The site did leak for about 1 month after transplant and it took almost two months to completely heal over. This is more so an idea of the healing process for me and again everyone is different. Hopefully yours will be removed soon. Best of luck!!

[ILMA54]

They pulled out my JP drain before I left the hospital. In addition, they did not suture it. Mine stopped leaking after a week, but the first few days, no amount of bandages could keep it from seeping out and soaking my t-shirts.