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 attached 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 several weeks. Before your tube can be removed, an X-ray will be done 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.