To drain or not to drain

Interesting question. I've wondered some of the same things, especially for those who have multiple drains in place for weeks.

My doctors never discussed any other option. I had two drains (one on each side) for six days. The holes were covered with a plastic dressing and I was allowed to shower with them in place.

I did have fluid remaining in a couple of pockets on one side after the drain was removed. My PS tried to remove it on two occasions with a needle and was unsuccessful.

I developed an infection in the other side five weeks after surgery that required three days of IV antibiotics in the hospital and then two weeks of two different oral antibiotics at home.

I had 2 drains, 1 in node area and 1 next to my lumpectomy which was upper/outer quadrant. They were removed after 4 days. I was actually shocked to wake up with them as nobody had ever discussed their use. My sister had a lumpectomy 2 years earlier and had no drains but she did have some issues with fluid building up and then some hard areas after her radiation.

a drain was never mentioned to me. Following my lumpectomy and second surgery to clear margins I developed a large seroma or hematoma. My surgeon drained it with a needle the following week. I saw a lymphadema therapist before radiation because my breast was so enlarged with the seroma.

My radiologist didn't think it was a problem to start radiation. Half way through treatment I developed a open blister , they watched it and had me doing all kinds of bandages etc. it was always draining fluid. They tried to aspirate it with an ultrasound.

After I completed the radiation I was sent to a wound clinic. They tried to pack it and treat it but when it was surgically debrieded they discovered it was a large 7cm hole in the breast. The whole experience still haunts me. I ended up with a wound vac from Aug-Nov.1st and it finally closed. I'm left with a breast indent, scar, and the nipple is pulled to the side. There is another poster that had a similar thing but supposedly it's a rare thing..

I can't hellp But wonder if a drain could have avoided this.

If your doctor says she/he rarely uses them, then it sounds like the doctor will do whatever is appropriate/necessary for your particular situation. You could ask what percentage of patients have moderate-or-more pain from fluid buildup, or have to come back to have it drained. But either way, it sounds like things have a good chance of being fine/normal. They will let you know what to look out for, and your care team will be prepared to help solve any issues that come up.

I hope your recovery goes smoothly!

My surgeon said beforehand that I might have a drain. I think she decides once she's in there and sees the tissue. I wound up with no drain, I had no bruising, and only a tiny bit of swelling - the BS was quite impressed at my follow-up appointment. But I also wore a snug sports bra for about three weeks after the lumpectomy, and again after the re-excision.