Dr Harsh Shah
MS, MCh (Surgical Gastroenterology), DrNB (Surgical Gastroenterology)
Registered with Gujarat Medical Council, Reg. No. G-38738
Hernia Surgeon · Dr. Jivraj Mehta Hospital, Vasna, Ahmedabad
In short
- Most groin and belly button hernia repairs need no drain and no urine catheter. You usually wake up with only a drip in the hand.
- A wound drain is mainly used after large belly wall repairs. It removes fluid and usually comes out within a few days.
- A urine catheter is used for some longer operations or if you cannot pass urine. It is often removed within a day.
Many people worry about waking up with tubes. For most hernia repairs, there is far less than they fear.
This page explains each tube, when it is used and when it comes out.
The drip
A thin plastic tube is placed in a vein in your hand or arm before the operation. It gives fluids, the anaesthetic and other medicines.
Once you are eating and drinking, it is taken out. This is usually before you go home.
The urine catheter
A catheter is a soft tube passed into the bladder to drain urine. Most groin and belly button repairs do not need one.
It may be placed for a longer operation, or to keep the bladder empty during some repairs. It is also used if you cannot pass urine after surgery. This is more likely in older men with a large prostate. It is often out within a day.
Tubes you may have after hernia surgery
Tubes you may have after hernia surgery
| Tube | When it is used | How long it usually stays |
|---|---|---|
| Drip in the hand or arm | Almost every operation | Removed before you go home |
| Urine catheter | Some longer operations, or trouble passing urine | A few hours to a day |
| Wound drain | Large belly wall or incisional repairs | A few days, until little fluid comes out |
| Tube through the nose | Rarely, after some large repairs | Usually out within a day |
Want to know exactly what to expect after your own repair? We go through it, tube by tube, before the operation.
The wound drain
A drain is a thin tube that comes out through a small cut near the wound. It leads to a bag or a soft bottle. It lets fluid escape instead of collecting under the skin.
Drains are mainly used after large repairs of the belly wall, such as a big incisional hernia. Small groin and belly button repairs seldom need one. The drain comes out when only a little fluid is collecting, often within a few days.
Caring for a drain at home
Bring your notes on the amount to the clinic visit. They help decide when the drain can come out.
Frequently asked questions
Does removing a drain hurt?
It takes a few seconds. Most people feel a brief pulling or odd sensation. No injection is needed, and a small dressing goes on afterwards.
Can I go home with a drain?
Sometimes, after a large repair. You will be shown how to empty it and note the amount. It is removed at a clinic visit.
Will I have a urine tube after inguinal hernia surgery?
Usually not. A catheter is used only in some longer operations, or if you cannot pass urine afterwards, and it is often out within a day.
Why did my friend have a drain and I did not?
Drains depend on the size of the repair. Large belly wall repairs leave more space for fluid. Small repairs seldom need one.
Can I bathe with a drain?
Ask your surgeon. Most advise keeping the drain site dry with a sponge bath until the drain is out and the hole has sealed.
Related pages
The main page on this site is hernia surgery in Ahmedabad. These cover the neighbouring questions.
Where to find us
Dr Harsh Shah, MS, MCh (Surgical Gastroenterology), DrNB (Surgical Gastroenterology)
Dr. Jivraj Mehta Hospital, Vasna, Ahmedabad
Bring your reports. Second opinions are welcome.