Pleurx

You should drain fluid as directed by your doctor, usually every 1–2 days. Consult your doctor before changing the frequency of your drainage.

The catheter will remain in your abdomen until fluid stops draining. The amount of time will vary from patient to patient. The catheter may remain in place as long as you need the catheter, and it continues to work properly.

Any change in the appearance of the fluid should be reported to your doctor.

Shower: You can take a shower or sponge bath if a self-adhesive dressing like the one in the Procedure Pack is securely attached to your skin and working properly. The self-adhesive dressing is designed to keep fluid out. Be sure the dressing is completely and securely attached and the catheter and gauze pads are all contained underneath it. If the gauze becomes wet when showering, remove the dressing immediately, clean and dry the area and apply a new dressing as instructed in the Instructions for Use that came with the drainage kit. Bath: Do not allow the catheter to soak underwater in a tub, bath or pool.

In the unlikely event the catheter is pulled out or the cuff becomes exposed, cover the exit site with a sterile dressing and seek immediate medical attention. The catheter has a polyester cuff that is normally under the skin where the catheter is inserted. This cuff and the sutures—located where the catheter exits your body—help keep the catheter in place.

You should contact your doctor immediately if you believe your catheter is infected. Pain, redness (erythema), warmth to touch, swelling (edema), fever or fluid from around the catheter site may be a sign that your catheter is infected. Some discomfort and redness after insertion is expected but should not continue or worsen.