Jackson-Pratt Drain

What is a Jackson-Pratt drain?

A Jackson-Pratt (JP) drain is a tube placed in the body at the place where you had surgery (this area is called the operative site). The tube leads to a small, oval suction container called a bulb.

When is it used?

A JP drain is used to remove blood, pus, and other fluids from a wound after surgery. It also prevents fluid from building up in the wound site.

What happens after placement of the drain?

The bulb will act as a light suction to help drain fluid away from the wound. The fluid will be red or dark red when the drain is new. Within a few days, the amount of fluid draining from the wound should lessen and start to become pink. Your healthcare provider will decide when to remove the drain based on the amount and color of the fluid draining.

What are the benefits of the JP drain?

Removing fluid from the operative site allows faster healing. Preventing fluid buildup will reduce the chances that the fluid will become infected. A change in the color or amount of fluid in the drain can alert your healthcare provider to problems in the wound.

What are the risks of the JP drain?

JP drains can cause irritation and pain in and near the wound if the drain is not held securely in place. The wound could become infected if the JP drain is left in too long or if the wound site is not cleaned.

How can I take care of myself?

Follow your healthcare provider's instructions to care for your JP drain. Your care may include the following:

Emptying the drain:

• Remember, keeping the area clean with soap and water is the best way to prevent infection.
• Get a measuring cup and an alcohol swab.
• Wash and dry your hands.
• Hold the bulb securely but gently. Avoid tugging on the tube.
• Remove the plug and empty the bulb by squeezing fluid into the measuring cup. Set the measuring cup aside.
• Clean the plug with the alcohol swab.
• Squeeze the bulb so that there is no air remaining inside, and replace the plug while there is no air in the bulb. This will allow the bulb to suction fluid from the wound.
• Measure the amount of fluid that you removed from the bulb. Then empty the cup of fluid into the toilet and wash the cup.
• Write down the time and date and the amount and color of the fluid that was drained.
• Secure the bulb to clothing close to the wound with a safety pin to prevent tugging on the tube.

Caring for the drain site:

• Get your supplies together: normal saline or hydrogen peroxide (or another cleaning solution recommended by your healthcare provider), drain gauze, and bandage tape.
• Wash and dry your hands.
• Gently remove the dressing that is covering the drain site. Avoid tugging on the tube.
• Wet a cotton swab or gauze with normal saline, hydrogen peroxide, mild soap and water, or other cleaning solution recommended by your healthcare provider.
• Use the swab or gauze to gently clean the area around the drain site, starting at the drain site and moving away from it.
• Put gauze around the drain as demonstrated by your healthcare provider.
• Tape the gauze to the skin with bandage tape. Make a loop with the tube, and tape it to skin.
• Secure the bulb to clothing close to the wound with a safety pin to prevent tugging on the tube.

When should I call my healthcare provider?

Call your provider right away if:

• The bulb fills with blood before it is time to empty it. A lot of bleeding usually happens only on the first day after surgery.
• The color of the fluid becomes green, yellow, or cloudy.
• The fluid or the bandages smell bad.
• You have more redness or pain at the wound site.
• You have a fever of 101.5° F (38.6° C) or higher.
• No fluid is draining.
• Your stitches break or your drain is pulled out all or part of the way.
• You have questions about how to care for your JP drain.

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Published by RelayHealth.
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