How To Strip A Post-Surgical Drain After Abdominoplasty

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By Jeffrey Donaldson, MD |

How To Strip a Post-Surgical Drain After Abdominoplasty

Dr. Jeffrey Donaldson narrates this instructional video that shows how to clear, or “strip” a clogged Jackson-Pratt drain after tummy tuck surgery.

Video Transcription:

This is a post-operative Jackson-Pratt drain that is used to drain fluid away from under the skin after an abdominoplasty. If the drainage tube becomes clogged at any point there is a simple technique for stripping this drain. We prefer to use a moist alcohol swab, although a damp tissue or a damp washcloth would also suffice just to minimize friction.

  • The first hand is placed tightly and firmly on the tube at its insertion point near the skin.
  • The second hand is used with the lubricated tissue to strip away from the first hand in an even technique.
  • The first hand then comes and pinches at the advanced location while the second hand continues to strip away.

Progress is made down the tube to cleanly advance a column of fluid and any obstruction down to the level of the collecting tube itself. This process can be repeated in order to clear the system.


Jeffrey Donaldson, MD Author Bio

About The Author

Jeffrey Donaldson, MD is an experienced, board-certified Tummy Tuck surgeon and has performed thousands of successful procedures throughout his 20+ year career. He continues to perfect his surgical craft and educate patients everywhere when it comes to proper Tummy Tuck surgery aftercare.

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