Who had a vent after surgery and what is that all about? My surgery is in 8 1/2 hours

Edited February 3, 201412 yr by Zoumommy

I think you mean a drain. And it really depends on your Surgeon.

I didn't have a drain, but having one placed was at my surgeon's discretion and wouldn't be decided until surgery. I assume if there was bleeding or fluid around the surgery site, he would have placed one. We learned about them at the final pre-op nurse visit/surgery education class. Did you not have such a class?

Hi,

If you did mean drain, I had one. It was the cause of 80% of my pain post surgery. Everyone has had different interactions with the drain some say it HURT, some say it didn't. For me it HURT (I almost jumped out of my skin when they removed it. I thought for sure they took an organ or two out with the tube). Each doctor has their reason why the do or do not put in a drain.

My doctor told me before hand they would be putting in a drain (and sending me home with it for a week). The way it was explained to me was the fluids (blood) is drained from your stomach, which also helps prevent clots. After a few days there is less Fluid (blood) and it is also clearer than when it's first inserted (which is a good sign). My doctor told me all his patients are sent home with a drain. It's not a decision made prior to surgery. It's standard for his practice.

Did your doctor say would have a drain?

Good luck with your surgery tomorrow. I hope you have a speedy recovery!

Edited February 3, 201412 yr by FitnFabfor2014

And if you did mean an actual vent after surgery......it was still the drain haha. I will vent about that when I am old and grey!!!

I did not but some do. ll depends on your surgeon.. They are no bg deal.. Only in you for a few days from what i understand

Had a drain for seven days. The big issue I had it was getting the way of sleeping (sleep on my right side). Otherwise just measuring and emptying the contents every day. It felt weird coming out but wasn't painful.

I have a drain and lucky me I get to keep it 10 days! Ugh... I hate it! I think it is a major source of the discomfort I'm experiencing post op.