What is the tube that is placed after surgery? Let's talk about the Jackson-Pratt (JP) drain!

You may have seen a small tube inserted into your wound after an operation to drain fluids. Some people are a little scared when they see this. But this is really helpful for you. Today we are going to talk about this `Jackson-Pratt (JP) drain` . Let's talk simply about what it does, how it works, and how you should take care of it.

Let's see how this JP drain works.

Very simple. This `JP Drain` has three main parts. Imagine, what it does is slowly pull out the unwanted fluid inside your wound. It's like a small `vacuum cleaner`.

• The flat part that goes into the wound: This has small holes in it. Fluids from the wound (blood, lymph, etc.) go into the tube through these holes.
• A flexible tube: This tube is what carries the fluid out of the wound, to a bulb outside the body. Usually, doctors will attach this tube to your skin with a small stitch (a `suture`) or a plaster to keep it in place.
• A bulb that looks like a lemon: This is the most important part. This bulb is squeezed, and there is a small stopper (`stopper`) that closes the mouth. When this is squeezed, the air inside decreases, creating a `suction`. That force is what draws the fluid from the wound along the tube and collects in this bulb.

Technically, a `JP drain` is a `closed, active drain system`. That is, it creates a `negative pressure` inside the drain, without any connection to the outside environment. It sounds a bit scientific, but it's very simple. When you squeeze the bulb, it pulls fluid out of the wound as it tries to inflate.

All you have to do is empty the bulb when it's about half full, squeeze it again, and put it back in. That's when the fluid will continue to drain properly. But very rarely, there are some `JP drains` that work by gravity. (Your surgical team will tell you about this.)

In what cases is a JP drain placed?

This `JP drain` is the main type of drain placed after surgery . Doctors use it after various operations. Here are a few examples:

• Things like abdominal surgery and hernia repair surgery.
• Things like breast surgery, breast cancer surgery, and top surgery.
• Chest surgery, for example, surgery to treat pleural effusion.
• Thyroid surgery, such as thyroidectomy, is a surgery to remove the thyroid gland.
• Cosmetic and plastic surgery, including reconstructive surgery.
• Lymph node removal surgery (Lymphadenectomy).

Generally, the amount of fluid that can be collected in a `JP drain` is less than that of a `hemovac drain`, another type of `closed suction drain`. The amount of fluid that can be collected in a `JP drain` varies depending on the model. Most often, about 25 to 50 milliliters (`25 to 50 mL`) are collected at a time.

So how do you take care of this JP drain?

It is very important to take good care of your drain. This will help the wound heal faster and reduce the risk of infection. The main thing to do is to empty the bulb of the drain and check if it is still compressed. Then continue to drain the fluid. You should also keep a record of the fluid that collects. A nurse will do this while you are in the hospital, but if you come home with a drain, they will show you how to do it.

In addition, the wound needs to be cleaned and the dressing changed as the doctor says.

One more thing, it's a good idea to attach this bulb to your clothing or with a safety pin. That way, it won't just come off.

This is how to empty the bulb.

Before you empty the drain bulb, gather the following items: one or two clean cloths, an alcohol wipe, a piece of gauze, and a liquid measuring cup. This measuring cup will be given to you by the hospital.

1. Wash your hands thoroughly: Wash your hands with soap and warm water for at least 20 seconds. Dry your hands with a clean cloth and turn off the tap. Alternatively, you can use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer. Take a small amount and rub it on both hands until they are dry.

2. ``Milk`` the tubing: With your non-dominant hand, hold the tubing about a finger's length from the point where it enters the wound. You want to hold it firmly so that you don't feel any pulling on the wound as you ``milk`` the tubing. Then, using the thumb and forefinger of your other hand, gently rub the tubing from the point where you are holding it, down the bulb, in a circular motion. Using an ``alcohol wipe`` will help your fingers slide off easily.

3. Empty the liquid: After adding the liquid from the tube to the bulb, you need to empty it. Remove the bulb's stopper and pour the liquid into the measuring cup. Do not let your fingers touch the stopper. Doing so can introduce germs into the drain.

4. Re-squeeze the bulb (`Reset`): Squeeze the bulb until it is completely compressed. After the air has been expelled, re-seal it and seal it tightly. The bulb should be flat in the middle.

5. Wash your hands again: Wash your hands again as in the first step.

If you have more than one drain (for example, you may have two drains after a mastectomy ), do this for each one.

Is it important to record details about the liquid that is collected?

Yes, absolutely. It's important to keep a record of when you emptied the drain, the amount of fluid that collected, and the color of the fluid. This information will help your doctor know how your wound is healing.

As the wound heals, the amount of fluid that accumulates each day should decrease. The color of the fluid coming out of the wound will also change as it heals. You can tell by these color changes that the wound is healing.

• Dark red: It is normal for the liquid to be blood-colored at first.
• Light red or pink: The fluid will lighten in color as the wound heals.
• Light yellow (straw-colored) or clear: If the fluid changes from red to light yellow or clear, it means you are getting better. This is also called `serous drainage` in medical terms.

The doctor can also tell if there is a complication, such as an infection, from this discharge. For example, if the discharge turns pale and then turns dark red again, it could be a sign of bleeding. If the discharge is milky or has a bad odor, it could be a sign of infection.

How do you change the wound dressing?

Your doctor will tell you how to change the dressing as often as he or she tells you. They will also tell you how to do this. Prepare the supplies you need in advance. You will need clean cloths, a piece of gauze with a small cut in the middle, surgical tape, and a wound cleanser.

1. Wash your hands thoroughly.

2. Carefully remove and discard the old dressing. Be careful not to clog the drain.

3. Wash your hands thoroughly again.

4. Clean the wound with soap and water or a wound cleanser. (Your doctor may say you can clean it while you are in the shower, but don't get in a bathtub or swimming pool if you have a JP drain.) Rinse with water and pat dry with a clean cloth.

5. Place the piece of gauze with the cut in the middle under the tube, at the entrance to the wound, and secure it with tape.

How do you keep the JP drain from coming loose?

The bulb that collects the fluid has a small loop. You can attach it to your clothing, such as a shirt or dress, with a safety pin. Don't attach the drain to your pants or belt. If you do, you might forget it's there and just pull it off.

How often should the drain be emptied? How long will it last?

If the bulb remains compressed, it is best to empty the drain as often as possible. Typically, you will need to empty it every four to six hours for the first few days. You can reduce this frequency as the amount of fluid coming out decreases.

To remove the JP drain, you will need to see your doctor again. The drain should be left in for as long as your doctor tells you to. Most of the time, it will not be left in for more than two weeks , but this may vary depending on your condition.

It's a good idea to ask your doctor about this before you leave the hospital.

When should you call a doctor?

If you have any signs of infection, call your doctor right away . Watch for signs like these:

• If the fever is 100.4 degrees Fahrenheit (38 degrees Celsius) or higher.
• If the wound area is red, swollen, or hot, or if the pain is increasing.
• If the wound looks like a red line.
• If the collected liquid has a bad smell, is green, milky, or has a thick consistency.

Also, if your drain seems to be loose, or if it's not draining, talk to your doctor. They may need to reattach it and make sure it's sealed properly. If the tube seems to be loose, or if the bulb doesn't have `suction` and is full of air, let them know. Also consider these things:

• If the amount of fluid collected increases for two days in a row (it should actually decrease).
• If the fluid turns light and then dark red or bright red again (this could be a sign of bleeding).
• If fluid has started to come out of the wound (the doctor may need to clean the drain).

Sometimes, after the JP drain is removed, fluid can collect and swell at the surgical site. This is called a seroma. This is not an emergency, but you should tell your doctor about it.

Is this JP drain open or closed?

This is a `closed drain`, meaning it is a closed system. Think of it this way, the `JP drain` is a closed system that uses air pressure changes within the system to draw fluid from a wound. Instead of draining fluid from the body into a dressing like other `open drain` types (such as a `Penrose drain`), this one collects fluid into a bulb that is squeezed to draw fluid out.

So, what are the things we should remember from this story?

A `JP drain` is like a new little helper that you have added to your body after an operation. It helps you to drain unnecessary fluid from the wound and helps you heal faster. It may feel a little strange to get used to at first, but don`t worry. If you take good care of your `JP drain`, it will help you to recover faster and reduce the risk of complications.

The most important thing is to follow the instructions your doctor or nurse gives you exactly. If you have any questions or concerns, don't be afraid to ask. They are there to help you.