Lumpectomy Information for Patients and Families

Planning Ahead

 

 

• Plan to stay home from work between 3 days and 2 weeks.  It depends on the type of work you do.
• Resume your normal routines as you are able.
• If needed, arrange for childcare.
• Most patients will go home the night of the surgery.
• Bring a supportive bra (not underwire) and a loose comfortable top that opens in the front to wear home.
• You will be given a prescription for pain medicine before you leave.
• You will see your doctor in 1 – 2 weeks to discuss further treatment choices based on test results.
• If you go home with a drain, your nurse will discuss this with you.

 

We hope this booklet will help you.  We urge you to ask questions.  We realize this is a difficult time for you and your family.  If you have concerns and questions after you go home, please call the numbers listed below.

 

Important Phone Numbers

 

To reach your doctor or nurse, call Breast Center (608) 266-6400 Monday through Friday, 8:00 am to 5:00 pm.

 

After hours, weekends, or holidays, call the Hospital Paging Operator at (608) 262-0486 and ask for the doctor on call for Dr. ___________________.  Leave your name, phone number with area code.  The doctor will call you back.

 

If you live out of the area, please call: 1-800-323-8942

 

Emergency Room - (608) 262-2398

 

What Is a Lumpectomy?

 

Lumpectomy is a surgery where your doctor removes abnormal breast tissue and a small amount of normal tissue around it.  Your surgery may also include removal of lymph nodes from the armpit.  Most women will go home the day of surgery. 

 

Your surgeon may suggest that you see a medical oncologist and/or a radiation oncologist.  This doctor will speak with you about further treatments that may help you.  This doctor may also discuss a “clinical trial” with you.   A clinical trial is a treatment for breast cancer designed to improve and find the best treatment for your breast cancer.

 

Care of Your Incision

 

It is important to look at the incision site daily for a week.  You may notice a slight redness and swelling along your incision.  There may be a small amount of pink drainage coming from your site.  This is normal.  However, if you have the symptoms listed below, call your doctor or nurse:

 

• Increased swelling, firmness, or rapid bruising
• Heavy bleeding from the incision
• An opening in the incision

 

You may or may not have a gauze dressing.  If you have a dressing, remove it 24 hours after surgery.   If there is drainage, place a new gauze dressing over your site.  Your incision will have small pieces of tape over it called steri-strips.  These will slowly fall off by themselves, most often in about one to two weeks.  If they are still there after two weeks, you may remove them as long as your incision appears healed.

 

Signs of Infection

 

Please call your doctor or nurse if you notice:

 

• Fever of 100.4°F (38°C) or greater taken by mouth 2 times, four hours apart.
• Increased tenderness, redness, warmth, or swelling of the incision or drain sites, if you have a drain.  A small area of redness about the size of a dime is common where the drain leaves the skin.
• Increased drainage from your incision or drain site.
• Increased swelling under your arm.

 

Signs of Seroma

 

A seroma is a fluid-filled bulge that forms under the skin of the chest and/or under the arm.  It sometimes occurs after the drain is removed, often within 2 – 7 days if the body is not absorbing the fluid.  This is NOT an emergency.  Since a large seroma could delay healing, you should call your doctor.  You may be asked to return to the clinic to have the fluid drained.  If a small amount of fluid build-up is present, your body will slowly absorb it.  Look at and feel your breast and under the arm the day the drain is removed, so you will be able to tell if one is developing later on.

 

Activity/Exercise

 

Using your arm after your lumpectomy can be painful.  As your incision heals, this will lessen.  The day after surgery you may use your arm during your daily routine, such as dressing and combing your hair.  You should start the initial exercises on page 6 the first day after your surgery.  Start the advanced exercises on page 8 about a week after your surgery.  Go slowly and stop if it becomes painful.  You may have numbness and/or shooting pains in some parts of your arm or chest.  These feelings will slowly lessen over time.  The movement or strength of your arm and shoulder should return to the same level as it was before surgery.  If you had a lymph node dissection, you may choose to talk with an Occupational therapist (OT) about your exercises and other problems you may face.  This will occur during your follow-up visit at the Breast Center.

 

You May

 

• Shower after 24 hours even if you have a drain.
• Take a bath after 24 hours if the incision can be kept out of the water.
• Drive a car in 24 hours as long as you are not taking pills that make you drowsy.  If you have a drain, do not drive until it is removed.
• Resume light household activities within the first few days.  You may start activities such as bowling, golf, tennis, or snow shoveling when you have full arm motion and your doctor says it’s all right to do so (often 4 to 6 weeks).
• Let your partner know when you feel ready for sexual relations and what feels good to you and what does not.  Being open about any concerns and desires you both have can make this time easier.
• Avoid lifting higher than your shoulder or more than 10 pounds with your affected arm until your first clinic visit.

 

Pain Management

 

The amount of pain that women have varies greatly.  You will be given a prescription for pain medicine before you leave.  Use it as needed.   Some side effect of your pain medicine may include drowsiness, nausea, constipation, and dry mouth.

 

• Do not drive a vehicle while taking this medicine.
• Eat plenty of fiber (bran, oats, fruits and vegetables).
• Drink 6 – 8 (8-ounce) glasses of water each day.
• Take stool softeners, if needed.
• To help reduce nausea, take your pain medicine with food.
• Suck on hard candy to increase saliva in your mouth.

 

Many women find that taking Extra-Strength Tylenol^®, 1 – 2 tablets every 4 – 6 hours works to control mild pain.  You may take up to a total of 8 tablets in 24 hours.  Do not take more than this amount.  If you have liver disease, please talk to your doctor or nurse before taking pain medicine.

 

Call your doctor right away if any of these side effects occur.

 

• Severe pain or tenderness in the stomach.
• Yellow skin or eyes.
• Extreme tiredness, weakness, dizziness, confusion, or hallucinations.
• Shortness of breath or trouble breathing.
• Trouble swallowing.
• Chest tightness.
• Swelling of eyes or face.
• Intense itching, rash, or hives.

 

Patient Exercises after Breast Surgery

 

After breast surgery, you will want to regain your normal arm and shoulder strength and motion.  This section will act as a reminder to you and your family of your exercises.  Your therapist will give you other directions to help you become more mobile and to function as before.

 

The first exercise set (Initial Exercises) may be started the day after surgery.  The second exercise set (Advanced Exercises) may be begun about a week after surgery.

 

General Guidelines

 

• Exercise daily until you have full movement of your arm.  You may increase the suggested number of repetitions by one repetition each day as the exercises get easier.

 

• Exercise so you feel a good stretch under your arm.  Hold at that point for a slow count of 5.  While your drains are still in, avoid sharp pain, a stretch on your incision, or pull on your drains.

 

• You may have numbness and/or pain in some parts of your arm or chest.  These feelings will decrease over time.

 

• Try exercising in front of a mirror.  Compare the motion in both arms.  Your motion should be equal and symmetrical, without hiking your shoulder.

 

• Practice deep breathing often.  This will help you relax as well as to gently expand the chest wall and lungs.

 

• Check your posture.  Stand up straight.

 

• You are encouraged to begin using your arm in your daily routine when bathing, grooming, and dressing, as soon as you are able without causing sharp pain.  These “functional movements” will help you regain your normal motion.

 

• Limit your lifting tasks to less than 10 pounds for about 6 weeks.  Avoid lifting things such as furniture or luggage.  Do not vacuum during this time.  Lifting light objects in your daily routine helps you regain strength.

 

• Place your affected arm on pillows when you are resting or sleeping.  Your hand should be higher than your wrist and your elbow a little higher than your shoulder.  This will help decrease any swelling.

 

Initial Exercises

 

While doing this program, avoid sharp pain, incision stretch, or pull on your drains.

 

Do these exercises for about 1 week, then move on to the advanced exercise program.  Keep doing any of the exercises that provide a good stretch.  Start with 3 repetitions of each twice a day.  Slowly increase to 10 repetitions each time, by the end of the first week.

 

Warm Up

 

Do these exercises with your arm elevated above the heart: fist squeeze, wrist circles, elbow bends.

 

 

Lying on your Back

 

Forward Arm Lifts

Lie on your back with your arm at your side.  Lift your arm forward and up.  Keep your elbow straight until your hand is over your head.  Return your arm slowly to your side.

 

 

 

Sideways Arm Lifts

Lie on your back with your arm at your side.  With your elbow straight and palm up, raise your arm sideways.  Keep your arm in contact with the bed.  Return slowly to your side. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Windshield Wipers

Lie on your back with your arms straight out from your sides at shoulder level.  Bend your elbows and point your fingers toward the ceiling.  Roll your arms forward until your palms rest on the bed.  Roll your arms back trying to rest the backs of your hands on the bed beside your head.

 

 

Either sitting in a Chair or Lying on Your Back

 

Reach to the opposite shoulder.  Push gently on your opposite shoulder.

 

Bend your knees.  Reach for your opposite knee.  Push gently on your opposite knee.

 

 

 

Sitting

 

 

 

 

Shoulder Shrugs

Sit with your arms relaxed at your sides.  Shrug your shoulders as high as possible toward your ears.  Take a deep breath while raising your shoulders.  Exhale as you relax.

 

 

 

 

 

Shoulder Blade Squeezes

Sit up straight, tuck your chin, and relax your arms.  Slowly pull your shoulders back, squeezing your shoulder blades together.  Try to get your elbows as close together as possible behind your back.

 

Deep Breathing

Sit up straight with your hands on your hips, take a slow deep breath, inhaling through your nose and exhaling through your mouth.  Try to expand your chest and rib cage as you inhale.  Limit this exercise to 3 repetitions.

 

Neck Stretch

Sit up straight; slowly turn your head to the left until you feel a stretch, hold for 10 seconds.  Repeat turning your head to the right, hold for 10 seconds.

 

Neck Extension

Sit up straight, bend your neck backwards until you feel a good stretch, hold for 10 seconds.

 

Neck Side Bend

Sit up straight, tip your head towards your right shoulder without lifting your shoulder.  Hold for 10 seconds.  Repeat with left side.

 

 

Advanced Exercises

Move on to these exercises after about a week or after your drains are removed.

 

 

 

Chicken Wings

Sit up straight.  Clasp your hands behind your neck, keep your head erect.  Slowly spread your elbows apart as far as you can.  Then return your elbows to the starting position.

 

 

Apron Strings

Sit up straight.  Clasp your hands together behind your back as though you were tying your apron strings.  Slowly lift your hands toward your shoulder blades as though you were fastening your bra.  Then relax your arms at your sides.

 

 

 

Forward Arm Lifts

Sit up straight.  Raise both arms forward and overhead.  Reach toward the ceiling.  Lower your arms and relax them at your sides.

 

 

 

Sideways Arm Lifts

Sit up straight.  Raise both arms out sideways to shoulder level.  Turn palms up and raise arm further to touch your ears with your upper arms.  Keep your head erect.  Lower your arms and relax them at your sides.

 

 

 

 

Tree Sway

Stand up straight.  Clasp your hands together and watch your hands as you stretch your arms above your head.  Lean towards your affected side, getting an underarm stretch.  Hold for 2 – 3 seconds and return to the starting position.  Repeat this exercise, but lean towards the unaffected side.

 

 

Doorway Sideways Stretch

Stand in a doorway with your affected arm out sideways with your hand on the doorpost at shoulder level. Slowly, walk your hand up the doorpost until you feel a good stretch, and then walk it down again.  Keep yourself evenly in the doorway by touching your other hand to the opposite doorpost.

Wall Forward Stretch

Face the wall.  Stand with your feet about 4 inches away from the wall.  Place your palms on the wall at shoulder level.  Gently pushing into the wall, slowly walk your hand up the wall until you feel a good stretch, then walk it down again.

 

You can check your progress by marking the highest level reached by your affected arm.  Try to increase it each day.

 

Things to Keep in Mind

 

Tell your doctor if you have

• Pain that gets worse.
• New heaviness in your arm.
• Unusual swelling that gets worse.
• Dizziness or loss of balance.
• New numbness or tingling in your arms or chest.

 

After your rehab evaluation, please discuss any new concerns or questions with your oncologist or primary care doctor.  If you receive treatment through UW Health, ask for a referral to one of our Occupational Therapist at one of the outpatient clinics.

 

University Of Wisconsin Hospital and Clinics 600 Highland Ave E3/311 Madison WI 53792 Phone (608) 263-8060 Fax (608) 262-7679

UW Health Rehabilitation Services Princeton Club East 1726 Eagan Road Suite 100 Madison WI 53704 Phone (608) 265 1221 Fax (608) 263-2666

 

Lymphedema

 

Our bodies have a network of lymph nodes and lymph vessels that carry lymph fluid, similar to the way blood vessels carry blood to all parts of the body.  The lymph fluid contains white blood cells, which help us fight infections.  During breast surgery, the doctor may remove some of the lymph nodes from the underarm area to see if cancer has spread.  Some lymph vessels that carry fluid from the arm to the rest of the body are removed also because they are intertwined with the nodes.  This changes the way the lymph fluid flows within that side of the upper body.  If the remaining lymph vessels cannot remove enough of the fluid in the breast and underarm area, the excess fluid builds up and causes swelling or lymphedema.

 

Radiation treatment to the lymph nodes in the underarm can affect the flow of lymph fluid in the arm and breast area in the same way.

 

It may only be slight swelling, making your rings feel tight on your fingers, or it may be severe, causing your entire arm to be very swollen.  The swelling may come on quickly after surgery or radiation.  In other cases, it appears years later.  This swelling occurs in 2 – 15% of the patients.

 

As breast surgery and treatment continue to become more conservative and as research advances are made with procedures such as the sentinel lymph node biopsy (fewer lymph nodes removed), doctors expect that fewer women will develop lymphedema.  There are ways that you can care for your arm and breast area to reduce your risk of having future problems.  Right after surgery, some swelling may occur in the affected arm or breast area.  This swelling is most often temporary and will slowly go away over the next 6 – 12 weeks.

 

To Reduce Swelling after Surgery or Radiation

 

• If swelling is present after surgery, raise your arm at night, and as you are able during the day for 45 minutes.  Place your arm on pillows so that your hand is higher than your elbow, and your elbow is slightly higher than your shoulder.
• Exercise your affected arm while it is elevated by opening and closing your hand and bending and straightening your elbow 15 – 30 times.  Repeat these 3 – 4 times a day.  This will decrease swelling by pumping lymph fluid out of your arm.
• Exercise regularly but try not to over tire or strain your arm with activity that you have not been doing.  Before any strenuous exercise, talk with your doctor, nurse, or rehab therapist to decide what level of activity is right for you.  Avoid overuse which can result in injury.  Overuse has been linked with the start of lymphedema in some women.
• During radiation and up to 18 months after, do simple stretching daily to maintain your range of motion.
• Have all shots, IVs, blood draws, or blood pressure tests done on the unaffected arm.  If both arms are affected have them done on your leg when possible.  Let your doctor or nurse know that you are at risk for lymphedema.
• Wear watches or jewelry loosely on the affected arm to avoid constriction.
• Use your unaffected arm to carry heavy things such as groceries, suitcases, or handbags with shoulder straps.  Or, use both arms when you can to carry heavy packages or children.
• Avoid spending time in saunas or hot tubs since heat can increase fluid build-up.
• Try to avoid gaining weight because extra fat in the arm requires more blood vessels,  it creates more fluid in the arm and places a greater burden on the lymph vessels that are left.  There are studies that have shown that gaining weight after a mastectomy is linked to a higher risk of lymphedema.  Women who are more severely overweight were more likely to have severe lymphedema.

 

Try to Avoid Infection

 

Your body responds to infection by making extra fluid to fight the infection.  Removal of or damage to lymph nodes and vessels makes it harder for your body to transport this extra fluid.  You may be more likely to get an infection in the affected arm.  This can trigger lymphedema. 

 

To help prevent infection and swelling

 

• Avoid burns.  Protect your arm from sunburn by using sunscreen that is labeled “SPF 15” or higher.  Use oven mitts.  Avoid oil splash burns and steam burns from cooking.
• Clean even small cuts promptly with soap and water.  Use an over-the-counter antibacterial cream on any openings once they are cleaned.  Cover them with a bandage.
• Wear gloves when you are in the garden, using strong cleaning products, or cleaning up after pets.
• Use a thimble when sewing.
• Use an electric razor when shaving under your arm to prevent cuts or nicks.  Choose a shaver with rounded heads.
• Use insect repellent when outdoors to avoid bug bites.  If you get stung by a bee in the affected arm, clean and elevate the arm, apply ice, and contact your doctor or nurse if it becomes infected (warmth, redness, swelling, fever).
• Use your washcloth to gently push back cuticles while in the shower instead of cutting them.

 

Contact your doctor right away if

 

• Your arm remains swollen and painful for several days.
• You have any sign of infection in your arm.
• Your arm feels heavy and tight.
• The skin in your arm feels hard.
• Your hand or wrist is less flexible.
• You have less range of motion in involved arm.
• You have hardening or discoloration of the skin on your involved arm.

 

The sooner lymphedema is noticed, the better treatment will be.

 

Changes in Sensation

 

Since some nerves may be injured during your surgery, you may have some numbness near your incision or, if lymph nodes were removed, in your arm, and armpit.  Although tingling, chafing, burning, and the feeling that there is a large lump under your arm often lessen within weeks, some numbness may never go away.  Avoid placing hot packs or heating pads near these areas as a burn could occur without you knowing it. 

 

Diet

 

Maintain a balanced diet with foods from all of the food groups each day.

• Low-fat milk, yogurt, & cheese (2 – 3 servings)
• Meat, poultry, fish, dry beans, eggs, & nut group (2 – 3 servings)
• Vegetable group (3 – 5 servings)
• Fruit (2 – 4 servings)
• Whole-grain bread, cereal, rice, and pasta group (4 – 6 servings)
• Drink plenty of water 6– 8 (8 ounce) glasses.

For good health, you need a balance!  The U.S. Department of Agriculture and Health and Human Services suggests:

• Fat:  Reduce fat intake (eat less fried foods, baked goods and candy).
• Fiber:  Increase fiber intake (cereals, whole-grain breads, beans, nuts).
• Fruits & vegetables:  Include broccoli, Brussels sprouts, cabbage, cauliflower, kohlrabi, and foods rich in Vitamins A and C.
• Salt:  Eat less processed foods, salty snacks, and many canned items.
• Obesity:  Maintain a good body weight.

 

Breast Self-Exam (BSE)

 

Do breast self-exam (BSE) 5 – 7 days after the start of your period each month.  If you do not menstruate, set aside the same day each month to do BSE (the first day of each month).  Doing this each month will help you become familiar with the look and feel of your breasts and incisions, which will help you to notice any changes.  If you notice any changes during your breast self-exam, tell your doctor.

 

You will receive a pamphlet that explains breast self-exam.  If you have daughters or sisters over the age of 20, ask them to check their breasts once a month also.

 

Emotional Changes

 

You may be feeling worried, sad, angry, frustrated, and scared.  These and many other feelings can be common.  It takes time and energy to deal with the diagnosis, treatment, and disruption in your life. Each woman copes with breast cancer in her own way.  Some have found it helpful to talk about their feelings with the people close to them and to ask for their support.  Support groups, counseling centers, and the resources listed below may also be useful.

 

Resources

 

These organizations offer information and counseling:

 

Cancer Connect is staffed by oncology nurses and health educators who provide information about University of Wisconsin Comprehensive Cancer Center and how to access cancer care at the center. 

1-800-622-8922 or (608) 262-5223 in the Madison area.

 

The Cancer Information Service has a toll free number sponsored by the National Cancer Institute.  Information is available on follow-up care as well as other aspects of cancer.  The number is

1-800-4-CANCER (1-800-422-6237).

 

The American Cancer Society offers many services to people who have had cancer.  The Reach to Recovery volunteers specifically offer support to women who have had breast cancer.  The Look Good, Feel Better program offers free initial make-up and hair/wig styling with a professional who is trained to understand the special needs of the person undergoing cancer treatment.  For more information, check the telephone book for the number of the American Cancer Society in your area, or call 1-800-227-2345. In Dane County, call (608) 833-4555.

 

I Can Cope is a program dealing with the educational and emotional needs of people with cancer and their families.  It is a series of eight classes about the disease and coping with the daily health problems.  It offers two separate sessions for children of cancer patients.  (608) 258-5065.

 

Y-ME, Trained volunteers who have had breast cancer answer questions and lend support to women with breast cancer.  1-800-221-2141.

 

Renewing Life is a program for making the most of life when living with any life threatening or chronic physical illness.  (608) 267-5900 or 267-5939.

 

Bosom Buddies is a breast cancer support group facilitated by women with breast cancer. 

(608) 244-3062 or e-mail: clmurray@wisc.edu (member’s personal e-mail)

 

After Breast Surgery is an educational support group which helps with the physical and psychological effects of breast disease.  (608) 267-5911.

 

Breast Cancer Recovery Foundation.  Infinite Boundaries Retreat Program provides environments in which women may heal emotionally, spiritually, and physically.  It offers 4-day retreats.

(608) 821-1140.

 

Ninth Woman  A support group meeting monthly to offer education and sharing.  (608) 267-5911

 

Instant Sisters.  A support group for women who are survivors of metastatic breast cancer.

(608) 262-5241 or e-mail: instantsisters@yahoo.com

 

National Lymphedema Network, 1-800-541-3259.

 

Websites

 

UW Comprehensive Cancer Center:  http://www.cancer.wisc.edu

 

National Cancer Institute: http://cancernet.nci.nih.gov

 

Susan G. Komen: http://www.breastcancerinfo.com

 

Breast Cancer Recovery Foundation – Infinite Boundaries: www.bcrf.org

 

Books

 

Women with breast cancer and their families have recommended these books.  They discuss women’s and their families’ experiences with breast cancer and treatment.  Your local library and bookstore also have many other books on this subject.

 

Be a Survivor: Your Guide to Breast Cancer Treatment.  Vladmir Lange, MD. Lange Productions, 2002.

 

When a Parent has Cancer. Wendy Schlessel Harpham. HarperCollins, 2004.

 

Breast Cancer:  A Patient Guide. Patricia Anderson.  Creative Health Services, Inc., Jonesboro, GA, 2001

 

A Cancer Battle Plan. Anne E. Frahm and David J. Frahm. Putnam Publishing Group, 1998.

 

Man to Man:  When the Woman You Love Has Breast Cancer.  St. Martin's Press, 1990.

 

Chicken Soup for the Surviving Soul. Jack Canfield.  Health Communications, 1996.

 

How to Help Children Through a Parent's Serious Illness. Kathleen McCue.  St. Martin's Press, 1996.

 

Full Catastrophe Living.  Using the wisdom of your body and mind to face stress, pain, and illness.  J. Kabat-Zinn, PhD.  Dell Publishing, 1990.

 

Breast Cancer, Breast Health, the Wise Women Way.  Susan S. Weed.  Ash Tree Publishing, 1997.

 

Women’s Bodies, Women’s Wisdom.  Christine Northrup. Banton Books, 1995.

 

Because…Someone I Love Has Cancer. American Cancer Society. 2003

 

 

Drain Care

 

You may go home with a drainage tube that was put in during your surgery.  A nurse will show you how to care for it before you leave or the next day in your home.  The drain removes blood and fluid that may collect under the skin and delay healing.  Your drain will be taken out in 7 to 10 days.  This depends upon the amount of drainage you are having.  It will be taken out when the total amount of drainage is about ___mL (milliliters) for 24 hours.  (Your drainage container will be marked in mL).  Drainage should be measured twice a day, or more often if needed, and written on the chart at the back of this booklet.  When you come to the clinic to have your drains removed, bring this booklet with the chart. 

 

You may be asked to clean the drain site when you are at home.  You may want to have someone help you with this.  A waist pack may be helpful for holding your drainage bulb.

 

Call your doctor or nurse if your drainage bulb (if present) fills rapidly and you need to empty it every 1 – 2 hours.

 

You may take a bath, if you can keep your incision and the area where the drain is out of the water.

 

 

To Clean the Drain Sites

 

You may shower the day after surgery.  If you choose not to shower, your doctor may want you to clean the drain sites each day.

 

1.      Gather supplies: dressings, tape, swabs, bottle of 0.9% Sodium Chloride (normal saline), drainage containers.

2.      Wash hands.

3.      Remove old dressing and place into a plastic bag.

4.      Watch drain site and incision for signs of infection.

5.      Wash hands again.

6.      Soak several cotton swabs (Q-tips) in the normal saline.

7.      Using the swabs, clean around the drain where it enters the skin.  Use each swab only once, then discard. Do not place a used swab back into the bottle or solution.

8.      Place a clean slit dressing around the drains and secure with tape.

9.      Empty the bulb into the container provided (see diagram next page).

10.    Reapply suction (see diagram next page).

11.    Record the date and amount of drainage from the bulb (see last page of booklet).  Empty the bulb twice a day (in the morning and in the evening) or more often if you notice it is over half full.

12.    After you record the amount of drainage, empty the drainage down the toilet and rinse your container with tap water.

13.    Wash your hands.

 

 

 

Drainage Measurements

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The information provided should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed physician should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Call 911 for all medical emergencies. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited.

Last Updated: 08/13/2009

Copyright © 07/31/2009 University of Wisconsin Hospitals and Clinics Authority. All rights reserved. Produced by the Department of Nursing. UWH #4600

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