What causes drainage after mastectomy?

During a mastectomy the breast is separated from subcutaneous tissue and muscle. This results in a raw surface that leaks fluid called serous fluid. Although serous fluid production is normal, we don’t want the fluid to stay inside, we want it to come out, so a drain is placed.

When should drain be removed after mastectomy?

The drain(s) will usually be removed about 1 to 2 weeks after your surgery but may be left in longer. One of your nurses will teach you how to care for the drain(s) before you leave the hospital.

What is the fluid that comes out after a mastectomy?

Seroma is a collection of serous fluid in the dead space of post-mastectomy skin flap, axilla or breast following modified radical mastectomy (MRM) or breast conserving surgery (BCS) and is the commonest early sequel [1].

What is the most common complication of mastectomy?

Some possible complications of mastectomy include:

• Short-term (temporary) breast swelling.
• Breast soreness.
• Hardness due to scar tissue that can form at the site of the cut (incision)
• Wound infection or bleeding.
• Swelling (lymphedema) of the arm, if lymph nodes were removed.

How do you reduce fluid after mastectomy?

Treatment for Lymphedema

1. Exercise. Exercise helps improve lymph drainage.
2. Bandages. Wearing a compression sleeve or elastic bandage may help to move fluid, and prevent the buildup of fluid.
3. Diet and weight management.
4. Keeping the arm raised.
5. Preventing infection.
6. Massage therapy.

How do you get rid of fluid after mastectomy?

Drainage tubes: Your doctor may put small tubes under your skin during surgery. If you have a mastectomy, the drains may go in your breast or armpit area. These tubes help remove extra fluid while you heal. You may have them only while you’re in the hospital.

How long does it take for a mastectomy to heal?

A mastectomy is an operation to remove a breast. It’s used to treat breast cancer in women and breast cancer in men. The operation takes about 90 minutes, and most people go home the following day. It can take 4 to 6 weeks to recover from a mastectomy.

What is the side effect of mastectomy?

Side effects of mastectomy Pain or tenderness of the surgery site. Swelling at the surgery site. Buildup of blood in the wound (hematoma) Buildup of clear fluid in the wound (seroma)

Is it normal to have swelling after mastectomy?

You might have some slight swelling in your arm or hand after your operation. This should settle soon after your surgery. Tell your doctor or nurse as soon as possible if the swelling does not settle or if you have pain or tenderness in your arm or hand.

Is swelling normal after a mastectomy?

The swelling may affect your breast, chest wall, shoulder and arm. It’s a normal part of the healing process and should lessen six to eight weeks after your surgery. If the swelling is uncomfortable and feels heavy, wearing a supportive bra day and night can help.

What to do if you have fruit flies in your drain?

What if your drains are the problem? For fruit flies, your kitchen drains are the perfect place to hide, lay eggs, and multiply. The first thing to do is keep your drains clean and cover them at night to keep them out and prevent breeding and egg laying. If you get a drain clog, a quick fix is crucial to keeping the flies at bay.

When is it really safe to fly after mastectomy / reconstruction?

If you were doing great, all the drains were out, and all the incisions healed by 2-3 weeks, etc, then you might be able to leave early, but better to plan ahead for more time. Best of luck and above all, be safe! Answer: When is it really safe to fly after mastectomy/reconstruction? Thank you for your questions.

Why are there fruit flies in my Sink?

In addition to eating your ripe or rotting food, fruit flies need a place to live and reproduce. What they like best is a dark, damp place. What fits the bill? Your kitchen sink drain. It’s like a dream home to a fruit fly. It’s dark and wet and full of food residue. This is especially true if you have a clog or plumbing issue.

Why do I have drains in my chest after mastectomy?

If you have a mastectomy or breast reconstruction, you will likely have surgical drains in place when you wake up. These drains function to remove fluid build-up in your chest which could place pressure on your incision or raise your risk of developing an infection.