Posted 4/20/2015 3:52 AM (GMT 0)
TeacherLady. I had continuous drainage from my JP Pratt Drain for 3-4weeks. Ok where to start? a continuous drainage occurred in my case due to having 27-29 lymph nodes removed and biopsied during my open surgery.{ no cancer } My surgeon, while not warning me of this{ why should he, it doesn't happen in every node dissection}, once it occurred he knew just what to do. It would never reach the minimum amount needed for him to take it out, but at a certain point he knew it never would. It was worrisome, but I trusted him, as he told me he knew what to do when he decide the time had come. At that time, he removed the existing tube and replaced it with another but of a much smaller circumferenced tube. Within 48 hours it reached the magic number of milliliters and it was removed. To be honest I don't know why he waited so long, but again to be honest, I trusted him. So it is not a normal occurrence, , but at the same time it is also not abnormal in any dangerous sense. So do not be concerned, I am sure your surgeon can handle. Did your husband have node removal. Something to be aware of, and I would ask your surgeon about it, is the possibility of lymphoceles. 2 mos post/op, I had a low-grade fever and malaise for 3 week.I was diagnosed via a CT scan of having 2 golf ball size lymphoceles. Defined sacs of lymph fluid,{ the same stuff that the Pratt drain was draining.}. Mine self resolved. They usually do. If not, they can somehow be lanced at the Uro's office. So worry not. I hope your husband is recovering well and his surgery had an overall good outcome. You may share that with us if desired,especially if you have questions on any other aspect of surgery, pathology recovery etc.