Collecting biliary drainage in the ambulant patient; a simplified effective method.

Abstract

The problem of collecting biliary drainage from indwelling T-tubes has always posed difficulties, particularly in the ambulant patient. The problem is to give the patient a simple, convenient, and adequate set-up. It is important that whatever apparatus is used be (1) large enough, (2) leak-proof, (3) light in weight, (4) simple enough to be attached and detached by the patient, (5) utilizable over a long period of time, and (6) washable and able to be sterilized. We have gone through the gamut of drainage bottles, test tubes, balloons, and other paraphernalia but have not found any of them completely satisfactory. Recently we have been using Fleet prepared enemas on our postoperative patients. The disposable units, which are made of plastic material, are saved. These can be thoroughly washed and soaked in benzalkonium (Zephiran) or boiled after washing. If boiled they should be cooled with cold water before handling. The elongated