Tru-Close Drain Care
Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on May 6, 2024.
What is a Tru-Close® drain and how does it work?
A Tru-Close® drain is a closed suction drainage system used to remove fluids that build up in an area of your body. The drain is a device with bellows attached to a collection bag which is connected to a tube. One end of the tube is placed inside the area to be drained. The other end comes out through a small cut in your skin, called the drain site. The device is connected to this end. You may have 1 or more stitches to hold the tube in place. The bellows on the device are squeezed flat to create suction in the tube. The bellows expand as it fills with fluid. The fluid then drains from the bellows into the collection bag.
How do I empty the collection bag?
Empty the bag when it is half full or every 4 to 8 hours:
- Wash your hands with soap and water.
- Squeeze the bellows to empty the fluid into the bag. Make sure there is no fluid in the tubing.
- Open the port on the bottom of the bag over a measuring cup.
- Let the fluid drain into the cup.
- Clean the port with an alcohol swab or a cotton ball dipped in rubbing alcohol.
- Squeeze the bellows flat and close the port.
- Make sure the tubing is not kinked or twisted. Reattach the drain to your clothes below your drain site so it does not pull at your skin.
- Measure the amount of fluid you pour out. Write down how much fluid you empty from the drain and the date and time you collected it. Bring this record with you to your follow-up visits.
- Flush the fluid down the toilet. Wash your hands.
When will my drain be removed?
The amount of fluid in the drain should decrease over time. You may need the drain for up to 29 days. Ask your healthcare provider when and how your drain will be removed.
What are the risks of a Tru-Close® drain?
You may have some discomfort at your drain site. You may have trouble lying on the side with your drain. Your drain site may leak. The Tru-Close® drain may be pulled out by accident. The tubing may crack, break, or become blocked. The tubing may damage your tissue. You may have a scar. The drain site may get infected. The infection could spread inside your body.
When should I seek immediate care?
- Your drain breaks or comes out.
- You are bleeding from your drain site.
- The drainage from your drain site smells bad or looks different.
- You have increased pain, redness, or swelling around the drain site.
When should I call my doctor?
- You suddenly stop draining fluid or think your drain is blocked.
- You have a fever higher than 101.5°F (38.6°C) and chills.
- Your collection bag is leaking, damaged, or smells bad.
- You have questions or concerns about your drain care.
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Further information
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