Drain Care Instructions
Many patients go home after surgery with a small drain in place. This page explains what a Jackson-Pratt (JP) drain is, why it’s used, how to care for it, and what to expect as it heals.
What Is a Jackson-Pratt (JP) Drain and Why Is It Used?
Drains are commonly used after mastectomy or lymph node surgery, but also after abdominal surgery. A JP drain is a soft, flexible tube placed to remove extra fluid and blood from under the skin. This helps prevent accumulation of fluid (called a seroma), allows your care team to monitor an area for leakage of fluid, and supports healing.
Two General Reasons a Drain Is Left in Place
To drain an area until the amount draining drops to less than 20–30 mL (about 1–2 tablespoons) for 2 days in a row.
To monitor for specific types of fluid leakage — digestive juices, bile, lymphatic fluid, pancreatic leak, urine, and similar fluids.
In breast, soft tissue, and lymph node surgery, the drain is typically left in place to allow the empty space to collapse and drain fluid as described in reason #1. In GI surgery, the drain is typically left to monitor for different types of fluid, such as bile, pancreatic juice, or bowel contents.
If you are unsure about the purpose of your drain, please ask your surgeon to explain why it is being left in place after surgery.
General Tips for Caring for Your JP Drain
- Wash your hands with soap and water before and after touching the drain.
- Keep the drain site clean and dry. Clean around the tube with soap and water, or as instructed by your surgeon. Some surgeons may recommend an antiseptic dressing (such as a chlorhexidine disc) to reduce infection risk.
- Secure the drain to your clothing with a safety pin or a drain holder to prevent pulling.
- Check the drain site daily for redness, swelling, or pus.
- Shower if your surgeon says it is safe. Pat the area dry afterward and replace the dressing if necessary.
- Call your care team if you have fever, increased pain, or the drain stops collecting fluid.
- Don’t pull or tug on the drain tubing.
- Don’t flush the tube unless instructed by your surgeon.
- Don’t let the bulb fill completely — empty it when half full.
- Don’t submerge the drain in a bath, pool, or similar body of water.
How to Empty Your Drain
Empty the bulb at least twice a day, or whenever it is half full:
- Open the plug at the top of the bulb.
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Measure the amount of fluid in the bulb.
- Some bulbs have a scale on the outside you can use to determine how much is contained inside.
- If the bulb does not have this, pour the fluid into a measuring cup to determine the amount.
- Record the amount and color of fluid each time you empty the drain. Use the log provided, or a notebook.
- Dispose of the liquid in the toilet.
- Replace the bulb to suction by squeezing the bulb flat and replacing the plug.
Frequently Asked Questions
Most drains stay in for about 5–10 days, but this can vary. The drain is usually removed when the output is less than 20–30 mL over 24 hours for 2 days, or when determined appropriate by your surgeon.
Yes, it is normal for the fluid to be red or pink at first, then turn yellow or clear as you heal. It is not normal for the drain to fill up rapidly with bright red blood — if this occurs, notify your surgeon immediately. If you have other symptoms such as dizziness, lightheadedness, fevers or chills, or other unmanageable symptoms, go to the emergency room.
Cover the site with a clean bandage and call your surgeon right away. This is not always an emergency, and sometimes the drain can simply be left out — but I recommend contacting your surgeon’s team to determine the right next step.
Many patients can shower with the drain in place, but avoid soaking the area. Follow your surgeon’s specific instructions.
Tracking the amount and color of fluid helps your surgeon know when it is safe to remove the drain, and helps your care team watch for problems.
Redness, swelling, warmth, pus, or a fever over 100.4°F (38°C). Call your surgeon’s team if you notice any of these signs.
JP drains help prevent fluid buildup (seroma) and reduce the risk of infection after breast surgery. They are placed to help wounds heal properly and are removed when fluid output is low — usually less than 20–30 mL in 24 hours for 2 days.
If you have any questions or concerns, contact your surgeon’s team.
This page was written to provide general educational guidance on caring for a Jackson-Pratt drain after surgery. It is not a substitute for personalized medical advice from your physician. Always follow the specific instructions provided by your surgical team.
For appointments with Dr. Stokes, visit the Baptist Health provider portal.