Getting frustrated…JP drain / day 28

Posted by lastminuteundecided @lastminuteundecided, Jan 22 9:05pm

Looking for any input anyone may have. I’m 51 yrs old. Tomorrow will be day 28 from having my RARP. Lymph nodes were pulled for biopsy also at that time.

We were hoping to be able to remove my JP drain on day 5 but tomorrow will be day 28 and it is not slowing down. I am currently producing about 200-300ml per day. Just had a CT scan yesterday but it didn’t show much. The question is either urine or lymphatic fluid. Doesn’t look like urine from the scan, but still not ruled out. Another possibility is a clip came off that is used after pulling a lymph nodes. Or something else.

Any thoughts?

Also if a clip did come off has anyone had any experience of going back in and fixing it. I also have been doing some research on my own and I’m now worried it can turn into Lymphedema which I am now scared about as I never knew that could be a possibility from the surgery.

Any help appreciated. Thanks!

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jeff Marchi | @jeffmarc | Jan 23 10:48am

I have never heard of somebody having a JP drain after prostate cancer surgery. I’m not saying it doesn’t happen, but it must be uncommon since I’ve heard from hundreds of people and no one has ever mentioned it. Everyone gets a catheter for 7 to 14 days. Many of those people have had lymph nodes removed.

Have you asked the doctor why this has been necessary for you? Is there some medical issue that you have that requires this drain for such a long time, since there is still so much fluid being produced?

If placed, they are typically removed when the fluid output is low (e.g., less than 100 mL/day), which can vary. The drain manages potential urine leakage from the anastomosis or lymphatic fluid (lymphocele).

So yes, urine can be part of the fluid.

lyricw | @lyricw | Jan 23 12:35pm

JP placed to prevent fluid accumulation that could get infected. Usually watch for decreasing 24 hour output & say < 30cc/24H. Urine should be acellular so sending fluid for analysis should ID source. It is likely serosanguineous & should decrease as wound heals.

lastminuteundecided | @lastminuteundecided | Jan 27 3:44am

Thanks guys! Well at day 31 I was finally able to have my JP drain removed!!!! Not sure how it happened but my output went from 300ml on day 25 to 210ml on day 28 then the next few days 35ml, 5-10ml, then just a trace.

Fingers crossed it stays good in there!

Thanks again for your input!