Discharge information for redivac drain
Date issued: May 2024
Review date: May 2026
Ref: C-572/AO/Breast Care/Discharge information for redivac drain
PDF: Discharge information for redivac drain final May 2024.pdf [pdf] 179KB
After your breast surgery you may have a drain inserted called a redivac drain. This leaflet explains how to manage this drain at home safely.
The drain prevents swelling caused by fluid collection and helps to minimise bruising. It can stay for a period of 7-10 days depending on how much fluid collects during 24 hours. On the day of admission, a breast care nurse will talk you through how to manage your drain at home.
How to measure the drain
You will need to monitor how much the drain collects in a 24hr period. On the side of the bottle there will be a numbered scale used to calculate the amount drained. Please record this amount in the morning daily and call the breast care nurses with the amount. You will then be informed of when the drain can be removed in the breast care nurse led drop in clinic.
How to change the bottle
The drain bottle will need to be changed if it is too full or if the green concertina plunger is expanded.
To change the drain:
- Clamp both white clamps to the closed position
- Untwist the bottle to detach this from the tube
- Reattach a new bottle
- Unclamp both white clamps to allow fluid to flow.
Any problems
If you have any concerns with the drain, please contact the breast care nurses on 01752 431898
Watch our video on how to manage your drain.
Table to document drain reading:
You can print off the table using the attached PDF
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Date & Time |
Right |
24 hr difference |
Left |
24 hr difference |
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