Discharge Instructions: Caring for Your T-Tube

You have been discharged with a T-tube, which is shaped like the letter T. It is put in place after bile duct surgery to drain bile while the duct is healing. The tube drains into a bag that is taped to your body. A bandage is present at the site where the tube is placed. This protects the open area from infection. The T-tube will be left in place for up to 2 weeks. Before your tube can be removed, an x-ray will be performed to make sure that your duct has healed and that there are no stones present. Here's what you can do at home to aid your recovery.

General Guidelines

• Don’t sleep on the same side as the tube.

• Secure the tube and bag inside your clothing. This will prevent the tube from being pulled out.

• Tape plastic wrap over the bandage and tube site when you shower.

Emptying the Bag

Empty the bag attached to the drain at least twice a day. Empty it more often if needed.

• Remove the closure at the bottom of the bag.

• Drain the fluid into a measuring cup.

• Record the amount of fluid each time you empty the bag. You will share this information with your doctor on your next visit.

• Replace the closure on the bottom of the bag.

Changing the Dressing

Change the dressing around the tube every day.

• Wash your hands.

• Remove the old bandage.

• Wash your hands again.

• Wet a cotton swab (Q-tip) and clean around the incision and tube site. Use normal saline solution (salt and water) or hydrogen peroxide.

• Put a new bandage on the incision and tube site. Make the bandage large enough to cover the whole incision area.

• Tape the bandage in place.

Follow-Up

Make a follow-up appointment as directed by our staff.