The Jackson Pratt Drain is a special device that is meant to be worn by patients after surgical procedures in order to drain excess blood and serous fluid from the surgical site. This not only provides for a safer recovery, but it also speeds up the healing process. The Jackson Pratt Drain is composed of three parts: a silicone band, a tube, and a bulb that cohesively work together to drain the fluids.
The first part of the Jackson Pratt Drain is a cylindrical piece of silicone with several tiny holes that allow fluid to drain steadily from the surgical site. The second part of the drain is a long tube that serves as a channel for the transportation of fluid from the body to the third part of the drain, which is the bulb. The bulb serves as a reservoir for the fluid and must be collapsed in order to work properly. To make sure the bulb stays collapsed, open the tab on top of the bulb, squeeze it with your hand until it is compressed, and then place the tab back into the hole.
Once the bulb fills near halfway with fluid, it needs to be emptied. Be sure to record the fluid level according to the number of the ring on the bulb before emptying it into the toilet. Also record and empty the fluid from the bulb every morning at 9 o’clock. Add this record to all of the fluid level records from the previous 24 hours to get your total fluid accumulation for that time period. This total should be sent to my office either by text or by phone. Should you have any problems regarding your Jackson Pratt Drain, please call the office. For after hours or weekends, please do not hesitate to call my cell phone.
