Lumbar Drain Placement
Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Jun 5, 2024.
Lumbar drain placement is a procedure to place a small tube in your lower back and into your spinal column to drain or collect cerebral spinal fluid (CSF).
WHILE YOU ARE HERE:
Before your procedure:
Informed consent
is a legal document that explains the tests, treatments, or procedures that you may need. Informed consent means you understand what will be done and can make decisions about what you want. You give your permission when you sign the consent form. You can have someone sign this form for you if you are not able to sign it. You have the right to understand your medical care in words you know. Before you sign the consent form, understand the risks and benefits of what will be done. Make sure all your questions are answered.
During your procedure:
- You will lie on your side or sit up. If you are on your side, you will pull your knees your chest and tuck your neck. If you are sitting, you will bend forward with your neck tucked. You will be given a shot of numbing medicine and a needle will be put in your lower back. A catheter (small tube) is pushed through the needle into your spinal column. Then the needle is taken out and the catheter stays in.
- Stitches will be placed in your skin to keep the catheter in place. A bandage will be placed over the area. The catheter will be connected to a container to collect the CSF. The drain will stay in place approximately 5 days, or until your symptoms improve. It will be removed before you leave the hospital.
After your procedure:
You will be taken to a room to rest until you are fully awake. Healthcare providers will monitor you closely for any problems. Do not get out of bed until your healthcare provider says it is okay. When your provider sees that you are okay, you will be taken to a hospital room.
- Neurologic exams will be done regularly. This shows healthcare providers how well your brain and nerves work after the procedure. Providers will check how your eyes react to light. They will also check your memory, strength, and balance.
- CSF testing is used to check the amount of CSF in the collection container. This shows how fast it is draining. The color and clearness will also be checked for signs of infection.
- Intracranial pressure monitoring the pressure inside your skull is measured. Healthcare providers will watch for signs that the pressure is rising.
- Medicine may be given to help prevent a headache or to decrease your pain. Do not wait until the pain is severe before you ask for more medicine.
- Tell your healthcare providers before you sit up or walk so that they can temporarily stop the drain. You may be told not to cough, sneeze, or strain because these can increase the drainage of the CSF. Do not adjust the head of the bed. This can also affect the drainage.
RISKS:
You may get a headache that gets worse when you sit or stand. There may be damage to your nerves or spine. You could have bleeding into your brain or spinal column and you may need surgery to treat it. You may get an infection at the incision site or a more serious infection, such as meningitis (inflammation of the lining around the brain and spinal cord). Your brain could drop downward. This can lead to severe brain damage and be life-threatening.
CARE AGREEMENT:
You have the right to help plan your care. Learn about your health condition and how it may be treated. Discuss treatment options with your healthcare providers to decide what care you want to receive. You always have the right to refuse treatment.© Copyright Merative 2024 Information is for End User's use only and may not be sold, redistributed or otherwise used for commercial purposes.
The above information is an educational aid only. It is not intended as medical advice for individual conditions or treatments. Talk to your doctor, nurse or pharmacist before following any medical regimen to see if it is safe and effective for you.
Further information
Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.
