A Jackson-Pratt drain (or JP drain) is a rubber tubing that may be placed after surgery. It may also be used with infections or injury that can cause a build up of fluid.
Fluid that collects inside the body can increase the chance of infection or other complications. The JP drain allows fluids to move out of the body. The drain may be placed:
After surgery if large amounts of drainage are expectedTo drain fluids from an abscess or other infected areasTo drain fluids from injury associated with fluid build upComplications are rare, but no procedure is completely free of risk. Your doctor will review a list of possible complications, which may include:
BleedingInfection
Leading up to the procedure:
If you have been injured, your doctor may order imaging tests to see the fluid that has collected. Images may be taken with:
CT scanMRI scan
Talk to your doctor about your medicines. You may be asked to stop taking some medicines up to one week before the procedure, like:
Anti-inflammatory drugs (eg,
aspirin
)
Blood thinners, such as
clopidogrel or
warfarinDo not eat or drink anything for eight hours before surgery.Arrange for a ride home from the hospital.General anesthesia
will be used. It will block any pain and keep you asleep through the surgery.
Once you are under anesthesia, your doctor will make an incision in your skin. The end of the drain tubing will be placed into the area where fluid has collected. The other end of the tubing will be connected to the squeeze bulb outside of your body. The doctor will remove the stopper from the bulb, squeeze it to create suction inside the drain system, and replace the stopper. This suction will pull the unwanted fluid out of your body. The doctor will then close the skin over the drain.
If you are having surgery, this JP drain will be inserted at the end of the operation.
If you are staying in the hospital, the nurses will care for and empty your drain.
15-20 minutes to place the JP drain
You may have mild to moderate pain where the JP drain is placed. Your doctor will recommend or prescribe medication to help with the pain.
This procedure is done in a hospital setting. The length of stay depends on the type of surgery you are having. You may be able to go home the same day if the surgery is minor.
When you return home, do the following to help ensure a smooth recovery:
Be sure to follow your doctor’s
instructions
.
Learn
how to empty and care for the drain
at home.
Ask your doctor if you can walk around with the JP drain.Avoid bumping the drain.Sleep on the side opposite of the drain. This will help you to avoid blocking the tubing or pulling it out of the suction bulb.Ask your doctor about when it is safe to shower, bathe, or soak in water.Ask your doctor what problems to watch for and when you should return for a follow-up appointment.Removal of a drain depends on how fast you heal from the surgery or injury. Your doctor may remove the drain when there is less than 1-2 tablespoons (15-30 milliliters) of fluid per day being drained. If you have more than one drain, they may not be removed at the same time.
After you leave the hospital, contact your doctor if any of the following occurs:
You are unsure of how to care for your drainDrainage is greenish in color or has a bad smellSignificant bleeding from the drainPain at the incisionFever or chillsEnd of the tube comes out of the incisionIn case of an emergency, call for medical help right away.
Last reviewed March 2013 by Michael Woods, MD
Please be aware that this information is provided to supplement the care provided by your physician. It is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. CALL YOUR HEALTHCARE PROVIDER IMMEDIATELY IF YOU THINK YOU MAY HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.
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