Discharge Instructions: Caring for Your Jackson-Pratt Drainage Tube

Empty the bulb.

Clean and reconnect the bulb.

Clean the site.

You have been discharged with a Jackson-Pratt drainage tube. This tube will help healing and reduce the risk of infection by removing fluid through your incision. It is attached to a drain or collection device, where you will see fluid and blood. A bandage at the incision site will protect the open area from infection. You may feel some burning and pulling from the stitch that holds the tube in place. Your drain will be removed when the fluid leaking from it is less than 2 tablespoons each day. Your stitches will be taken out 7 to 14 days after surgery.

Home Care

• Don’t sleep on the same side as the tube.

• Secure the tube and bag inside your clothing. This will prevent the tube from being pulled out.

• Empty your drain at least twice a day. Empty it more often if needed.

  • Lift the opening on the drain.

  • Drain the fluid into a measuring cup.

  • Record the amount of fluid each time you empty the drain. Share this information with your doctor on your next visit.

  • Squeeze the bulb with your hands until you hear air coming out of the bulb.

  • Close the opening.

• Change the dressing around the tube every day.

  • Wash your hands.

  • Remove the old bandage.

  • Wash your hands again.

  • Wet a cotton swab (Q-tip) and clean around the incision and tube site. Use normal saline solution (salt and water).

  • Put a new bandage on the incision and tube site. Make the bandage large enough to cover the whole incision area.

  • Tape the bandage in place.

• Tape plastic wrap over the bandage and tube site when you shower.

Follow-Up

Make a follow-up appointment as directed by our staff.