A Guide on How to Take a Shower with Surgical Drains Safely

According to MD Anderson Cancer Center, caring for surgical drains is a simple process once understood. The key to post-operative hygiene is knowing how to take a shower with surgical drains properly, minimizing discomfort, and reducing the risk of complications like infection.

Quick Summary

Taking a shower with surgical drains requires careful preparation and technique. This guide details securing the drains, gentle washing methods, and proper post-shower care to ensure a safe and hygienic recovery period. Follow these steps to maintain cleanliness while protecting your surgical site from infection.

Key Points

• Follow Your Doctor's Orders: Never shower with drains until your surgeon gives explicit permission, typically 24-48 hours post-surgery.

• Secure Drains Safely: Use a lanyard, a belt, or safety pins to secure drain bulbs and prevent accidental pulling on the suture sites.

• Avoid Direct Water Spray: Never aim the showerhead directly at the drain insertion sites or the main incision.

• Use Mild Soap and Pat Dry: Gently wash with mild soap and allow soapy water to flow over the area. Afterwards, use a clean towel to pat the area completely dry.

• Know When to Call for Help: Monitor for signs of infection like increased redness, swelling, or foul-smelling drainage and contact your healthcare provider immediately if they occur.

When Can I Start Showering with Surgical Drains?

Your medical team will provide specific instructions on when it is safe to begin showering. The waiting period varies, but many healthcare providers allow showering 24 to 48 hours after surgery. It is critical to confirm the exact timeline with your surgeon, as improper timing can increase the risk of infection. Until your doctor gives the green light, stick to sponge baths, taking great care to keep the drain sites completely dry.

Preparing for Your Shower

Proper preparation is essential for a stress-free and safe shower experience. A little planning can make a significant difference in your comfort and peace of mind.

Gather Supplies and Safety Measures

Before you step into the shower, have everything you need within reach. Consider using a shower chair, especially if you are weak or have balance issues post-surgery. Using a non-slip bath mat is also highly recommended to prevent falls.

Essential supplies include:

• Mild, antibacterial soap: Avoid heavily perfumed or harsh soaps.
• Waterproof dressings: Your surgical team may instruct you to cover the drain insertion site with a waterproof dressing like Tegaderm or even plastic wrap.
• Drain holder or securing method: You can use a special lanyard designed for drains, an old belt, or a piece of soft fabric like a pantyhose to secure the drain bulbs.
• Clean towel: A fresh, soft towel to gently pat the area dry afterwards.
• Assistance: If you feel faint or unsteady, have a helper nearby.

Secure Your Drains

Preventing the drain tubing from being accidentally pulled is a top priority. A sudden tug can cause pain and dislodge the drain, leading to complications.

• Use a lanyard or belt: Attach the drain bulbs to a secure, soft lanyard or belt worn around your waist or neck.
• Pin to clothing: You can also use a safety pin to secure the drain to a clean shirt or pants, ensuring the bulb is positioned below the insertion site for proper drainage.
• Use drain carriers: Specialized mesh drain carriers or aprons are available and can be worn in the shower.

The Showering Process

Once prepared, a careful and gentle approach is necessary to ensure the drains and surgical site are not irritated.

Steps for a safe shower:

1. Remove any standard dressings: If your surgeon has permitted showering, you should remove any standard, non-waterproof dressings before entering the shower. Leave any steri-strips in place.
2. Adjust water temperature: Use warm, not hot, water to avoid irritating the surgical area.
3. Let water flow over the area: Let the soapy water cascade gently over your body and the incision site like a waterfall. Do not aim the shower spray directly at the drain insertion sites or the main incision.
4. Avoid scrubbing: Use a washcloth with mild, antibacterial soap, but do not scrub near the incisions or drain sites. Simply allow the soap and water to run over the area.
5. Clean bulbs (optional): Some protocols allow for cleaning the bulbs if they are soiled, but follow your provider's specific guidance. Some recommend keeping the bulbs out of the direct water stream entirely.
6. Limit shower time: Keep your shower brief to minimize the time the area is wet.

Post-Shower Drain Care

After your shower, proper drying and redressing are crucial for preventing infection.

Post-shower steps:

• Pat dry gently: Use a clean, soft towel to gently pat the surgical site and drain area dry. Avoid rubbing. You can also let the area air-dry.
• Reapply dressings: If your surgeon wants the site covered, apply a clean, dry dressing. In many cases, it's okay to leave the drain exit site open to the air after patting it dry. Always follow your healthcare provider's specific instructions.
• Check for complications: Inspect the area around the drain for signs of infection, such as increased redness, swelling, or foul-smelling drainage.
• Re-secure drains: Pin the drain bulbs back to your clothing once you are dressed.

Showering with Drains vs. Sponge Bathing

Choosing the right bathing method depends on your surgeon's instructions and your comfort level. This comparison table highlights the key differences.

Feature	Showering with Drains	Sponge Bathing with Drains
Convenience	Faster, more thorough cleaning	Takes more time, less comprehensive
Infection Risk	Higher if proper technique is not followed; lower if instructions are adhered to	Lower risk of infection at the drain site if kept dry
Water Exposure	Direct water contact on body and surgical area (avoiding high pressure)	Minimizes or eliminates water contact with the drain site
Mobility Required	Requires more standing and arm movement	Can be done while sitting, less movement required
Equipment Needed	Securing device (lanyard/belt), mild soap, non-slip mat	Mild soap, basin of water, washcloths, clean towels
Relaxation	Can feel more refreshing and restorative	Can be less strenuous for those feeling weak
Surgeon's Approval	Always required and dependent on incision healing	Generally recommended if showering is not permitted

Special Considerations for Jackson-Pratt (JP) Drains

A Jackson-Pratt (JP) drain is a common closed-suction drainage system used post-surgery. Care for a JP drain while showering largely follows the general guidelines, but with some specific points in mind.

Handling the Drain Bulb

• Keep it out of the water stream: The bulb and its stopper should be kept away from direct water contact.
• Waterproof the cap: If recommended by your doctor, you can tape the bulb's cap or put the entire bulb in a plastic bag to ensure it stays dry.

Emptying the Drain

• Empty before shower: It is best to empty and record the drainage just before you shower to minimize the time you spend handling the system while wet.
• Wash hands: Always wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water before and after emptying the drain bulb to prevent contamination.

Conclusion

Maintaining proper hygiene with surgical drains is a manageable part of your recovery. By following your surgeon's advice, preparing your shower area, and using gentle techniques, you can safely cleanse yourself without compromising your healing process. Remember to avoid soaking in tubs or swimming, and always monitor your drain sites for signs of infection. If you have any questions or concerns, do not hesitate to contact your healthcare provider. Your careful attention to these details will ensure a smoother, safer recovery.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I take a bath with surgical drains?

No, you should not take a bath, use a hot tub, or go swimming while you have surgical drains. Soaking the surgical site and drain insertion points in stagnant water can increase the risk of infection.

How do I secure the drain bulbs during a shower?

You can secure the drains by attaching the bulb to a lanyard or a belt tied around your waist. Specialty drain carriers and aprons are also available and are designed for use in the shower.

What should I do if my drain site gets wet?

If your drain site or dressing gets wet during the shower, do not panic. Simply remove any saturated dressing, gently pat the area dry with a clean towel, and apply a new, clean dressing as instructed by your doctor.

What kind of soap should I use?

Use a mild, antibacterial soap recommended by your surgical team. Avoid harsh soaps, scrubs, or lotions directly on the incision or drain sites.

What are the signs of infection to look for?

Contact your doctor if you notice signs of infection such as fever, increased pain, swelling, worsening redness, or a foul odor from the drain site. Also, report any cloudy, murky, or bright red drainage.

Is it normal for the drain to leak after a shower?

A small amount of leakage is possible, but excessive leakage from the insertion site is a cause for concern. If you notice significant leakage, ensure the drain bulb cap is secure and call your healthcare team.

How do I dry the area around my drains after showering?

After showering, use a clean, soft towel to gently pat the area around the drain dry. You can also let the area air-dry. Avoid rubbing the site, as this can cause irritation.