Is biliary drain painful?

There is usually some initial discomfort or pain where the tube passes through the skin. This is usually well managed with simple pain relieving medications. Sometimes the pain is severe and can go on for some days requiring strong analgesia. The drainage bag will need to be emptied regularly.

What happens if bile does not drain?

If the bile duct becomes blocked, the bile cannot drain normally and backs up in the liver. Signs of blocked bile ducts include jaundice (yellowing of the skin), dark urine, light stools, itching, nausea and poor appetite. This is a potentially serious condition that needs to be treated.

How is a biliary drain removed?

How is a biliary drainage procedure performed?

  1. The patient’s abdomen is cleaned with antiseptic and the skin is numbed with a local anesthetic.
  2. The doctor inserts a thin needle into the patient’s skin and into a bile duct in the liver.

Can you shower with a biliary drain?

You may sponge bathe or shower. It is OK to get the biliary tube site wet. You may tape a 4×4 gauze dressing over the biliary drain site to prevent skin rubbing.

What to do if biliary drain comes out?

How can you care for your biliary drain at home?

  1. Wash your hands with soap and water.
  2. Take off the bandage from around the drain.
  3. Use gauze or a cotton swab to clean the drain site and the skin around it with soap and water.
  4. When the site is dry, you can put on a new bandage.

Why would someone have a biliary drain?

A biliary drain is used when too much bile collects in the bile ducts. If something is blocking the bile duct, bile can back up into the liver. This can cause jaundice, a condition in which the skin and white of the eyes become yellow.

What does a bile leak feel like?

Symptoms of a bile leak include tummy pain, feeling sick, a fever and a swollen tummy. Sometimes this fluid can be drained off. Occasionally, an operation is required to drain the bile and wash out the inside of your tummy. Bile leakage occurs in around 1% of cases.

Why would you need a biliary drain?

How do I know if I have a bile leak after gallbladder removal?