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), monitor an area for leakage of fluid, and supports healing.
There are typically two general reasons for a drain to be left in place:
- Drain an area until the amount draining drops less than 20-30 mL (about 1-2 tablespoons) for 2 days in a row.
- Monitor for specific types of fluid leakage (digestive juices, bile, lymphatic fluid, pancras leak, urine, etc.)
In breast, soft tissue, and lymph node surgery, the drain is typically left to allow the empty space to collapse and drain the fluid as described in #1.
In GI surgery, the drain is typically left to monitor for different types of fluid like bile, pancreatic juice, or bowel contents.
If you are confused about the purpose of your drain, please ask your surgeon to explain why he/she is leaving it in place after surgery.
General tips on how to care for a 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 using an antiseptic dressing (like 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 necssary.
- Call your care team if you have fever, increased pain, or the drain stops collecting fluid.
- Don’t:
- 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 bath,pool, etc.
How to empty your drain
- Empty the bulb at least twice a day or when it is half full.
- Open the plug at the top of the bulb.
- Measure the amount of fluid in the bulb
- Some bulbs have a scale on the outside you can look at to determine how much is contained inside.
- If the bulb does not have this, then 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 (FAQ)
Q: How long will I have the drain?
A: 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.
Q: Is it normal to see blood in the drain?
A: 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/chills, or other unmanageable symptoms, then you should go to the ER.
Q: What if the drain falls out or stops working?
A: Cover the site with a clean bandage and call your surgeon right away. This is not always an emergency and sometimes the drain can just be left out, but I recommend contacting your surgeon’s team to determine this.
Q: Can I shower with the drain?
A: Many patients can shower with the drain in place, but avoid soaking the area. Follow your surgeon’s instructions.
Q: Why is it important to record the fluid?
A: Tracking the amount and color of fluid helps your surgeon know when it is safe to remove the drain and watch for problems.
Q: What are signs of infection?
A: Redness, swelling, warmth, pus, or a fever over 100.4°F (38°C). Call your surgeon’s team if you notice these signs.
Q: What is the purpose of JP Drains in breast cancer surgery?
A: 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.