Help with drain problems?
Meet the Experts
Kristin Brill, M.D., F.A.C.S. is a breast surgeon and clinical instructor at the Thomas Jefferson University Department of Surgery in Philadelphia, PA. She also maintains a practice in Cherry Hill, N.J. Dr. Brill is a fellow of the American College of Surgeons. In addition, she has published breast cancer research in medical journals such as Annals of Plastic Surgery and Cancer, and she has presented research at the American Society of Clinical Oncology.
Linda Miller, P.T. is the clinical director of the Breast Cancer Physical Therapy Center, LTD, a private practice serving the Philadelphia, PA and southern New Jersey areas. Linda specializes in treating post-operative complications of breast cancer surgery, including lymphedema.
Question from Me: Hi! Good evening! My friend just had her operation and I think the drain is not working well. She would wake up soaked with blood from the drain. What do we do?
- Answer —Kristin Brill, M.D., F.A.C.S.: The drain can become clogged. Sometimes little bits of debris or clots can clog the drain. There's a technique to strip the drain. She probably ought to call the doctor or a nurse and they can help with the clog in the drain. I would add it's not dangerous having it leak out from the skin; it's just more of a nuisance than anything.
On Wednesday, May 21, 2008, our Ask-the-Expert Online Conference was called After Surgery: Short-term and Long-term Effects. Kristin Brill, M.D., F.A.C.S. and Linda Miller, P.T. answered your questions about short-term and long-term side effects of breast surgery, and what you can do about them.
The materials presented in these conferences do not necessarily reflect the views of Breastcancer.org. A qualified healthcare professional should be consulted before using any therapeutic product or regimen discussed. All readers should verify all information and data before employing any therapies described here.
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