What happens after my procedure?
You will be watched in the recovery area and given medicine as needed to help with pain or nausea. Most people will go home with the drain because they need to stay in for at least 6 weeks. After that, the drain can come out if the blockage resolves or if you have gallbladder surgery. If you need the drain for more than 3 months, then we will swap it out for a fresh drain every few months.
How to take care of your gallbladder drain at home?
Keep the drain site clean and dry:
You may have a sponge bath in the first 72 hours after your drain is placed. You may shower after that.
Remove the dressing before showering. Clean the area around the drain gently with mild soap and water. Pat it dry.
DO NOT swim or soak in bath water.
Replace the dressings after bathing and whenever they get wet or dirty.
Empty your bag each day.
Normal bile is clear and yellow, light green or olive green. Record how much comes out.
Drink extra fluids to replace what you lose.
Do not put anything in the drain unless you are taught to flush it. If so, gently flush it only with the syringes you are given.
Secure the bag at or below your waist to help it drain easily. Make sure nothing can tug on the tubing.
If you are told to “cap” your drain:
Twist to take the bag off of your drain and screw a cap on it
If you develop pain, remove the cap and attach the bag again
When to call your clinician or 911?
Fever of 100.4°F (38°C) or higher
New or worsening yellow eyes or yellow skin
The bile coming out smells or looks thicker or cloudier
You develop redness, pain, swelling, drainage, or bleeding around the drain
It becomes harder to flush your drain or the drain stops draining
The drains falls out, pulls back, or is damaged (do NOT try to replace or fix it yourself)