C-Section Drains

[NoseyHelen]

Can anyone explain why some patients have a drain after a C-Section.

After my first elective C-Section I did not have a drain. I'm having another section with the same surgeon and there has been no mention of a drain.

A friend has had two Sections at the same hospital (different surgeons) and had a drain the second time around, which she claimed was the norm.

[NoseyHelen]

Also, does it hurt when it is removed?

[fleximum]

This might sound stupid, but they put in a drain if they think there will be something to drain. Have had 2 emergency c-sections, and with both they had all kinds of fun getting uterus to shrink down so bled lots. No drain with first but did have drain with second. No idea why other than that the registrar who did surgery was mean and wanted me to have the pain of drain removal. I don't think it is the norm to put in a drain.

[Idobelieveinfairies]

I had a drain second time round..and can't think why i am sure i asked at the time..

but i do remember i was dreading it being taken out, they did it the next day. It was done quickly, and it felt weird and uncomfortable rather than painful.

[fleximum]

Hurt like hell to have drain removed by the way. Sorry to have to tell you that but was more painful than contractions.

[Idobelieveinfairies]

mine didn't hurt at all!

however i do have a large area of numbness on my belly now from the section, i wonder if thats why i felt no pain

[buttercreamfrosting]

A drain isn't the norm. I didn't have one with first two sections but had to have one with third because of some bleeding. Also have to second fleximum and say it was very painful when removed. Sorry!

[yurt1]

Had drain second time round as had a lot of bleeding because of adhesions between bladder and uterus. Yes is did hurt but that's because it was left in too long.

Didn't have one with first and third.

[mazzystar]

I had to have a drain with my elective, not with my first time emergency. You won't have one as standard, just if its needed - I am pretty squeamish so I don't like to think about why.

I didn't think removing it was that painful, but a weird sensation. They give you gas and air - which I really quite enjoyed.

[mazzystar]

ah yurt, that sounds familiar - adhesions between bladder and uterus. Me too.

[yurt1]

You had gas and air to have it removed?? No wonder I screamed!

[oiFoiF]

I had one first time as I was losing alot of blood
didnt have one second
had one 3rd time as was still bleeding a bit and the surgeon wanted to keep an eye on it

Neither hurt to come out, if that helps?

[oiFoiF]

oh and I dont know if it makes a difference but the first time was an emergency
third time was a very thorough woman surgeon

[VictorianSqualor]

I've jst had my third section, never had a drain.

[minster]

Preference of the surgeon.

I didn't have drains with my first, when I discussed plans for my elective section with the midwife (at booking) I made a point of asking which consultants used drains & which used staples then asked to be booked under the one that didn't use either.

[muppety]

Drain used if bleeding not completely stopped when section over I think as it collects xs blood from palvic cavity. I had drain after elective as they were having trouble stopping bleeding and I was pretty anaemic. I have to admit bloody hurt to have it removed too.

[smileyhappymummy]

It's used to drain any blood collecting after the op. I had three - two big ones (you can still see the scars from them) and one little one. The big ones really hurt coming out, the little one didn't. Not routine though.

[katyt1]

I had one after my em c-s, bloody hurt coming out, worse than anything else, gas and air, i wish!
IF i ever have to have to a c-s again I will blooming well find a surgeon who doesn't use them, or demand extra morphine for removal, aaarrrggghhhh, just thinking about it!

[curleyshirley]

I had a drain after my emergency c-setion and it hurt a LOT when it came out. It completely grossed me out too, had no idea where it was going or where it was coming out of.

[lounan]

I had drains with my first crash c-section because I lost alot of blood(1800ml)and was still bleeding, I had one either side and they hurt like hell to have out less uncomfortable if you breath in so the midwife decided to tell me after the first one had been removed(thanks)

[Denny185]

1st elective - no drains
2nd emergency (increased blood loss and difficulty sewing together) - drains
3rd elective - no drains

Uncomfortable not painful on removal.