From the Guidelines
The primary purpose of a Jackson-Pratt (JP) drain is to remove fluid that has accumulated in a patient's body, thereby reducing the risk of infection, promoting healing, and improving patient outcomes, as supported by the most recent and highest quality study available 1.
Key Points to Consider
- The use of intra-abdominal drains, such as JP drains, has been debated in the medical community, with some studies suggesting that they may not be necessary for all patients undergoing abdominal surgery 1.
- However, in certain situations, such as when there is a high risk of fluid accumulation or infection, the use of a JP drain may be beneficial in reducing morbidity and mortality rates 1.
- It is essential to weigh the potential benefits and risks of using a JP drain on a case-by-case basis, taking into account the individual patient's needs and medical history.
Best Practices for JP Drain Management
- Regularly monitor the drainage output and report any significant changes to a healthcare provider.
- Keep the area around the drain site clean and dry to prevent infection.
- Follow all care instructions provided by the healthcare team to ensure proper management of the JP drain.
Recent Study Findings
- A recent prospective international matched cohort study found that drains were not associated with reduced rates or earlier detection of collections and were associated with delayed hospital discharge and an increased risk of surgical site infection 1.
- Another study found that the use of closed suction drains after acute laparotomies for hollow visceral injuries was associated with an increased rate of surgical site infections compared with those who did not receive an intra-abdominal drain 1.
From the Research
Purpose of a Jackson-Pratt (JP) Drain
The purpose of a Jackson-Pratt (JP) drain is to:
- Remove fluid accumulations from the body, such as blood, serum, lymph, and other fluids that collect in the wound bed after surgical procedures 2
- Reduce pressure on the surgical site, as well as adjacent organs, nerves, and blood vessels, which enhances wound perfusion and wound healing 2
- Reduce pain by removing fluid accumulations and promoting wound healing 2
- Promote quality patient care by preventing the accumulation of serous fluid and improving wound healing 3
Types of Drains
There are different types of drains, including:
- Passive and active drains, which are the most practically useful types 2
- High- and low-pressure vacuum drains, which are commonly used after surgical procedures 4
- Closed and open systems, which can be classified based on their intended function 3
Importance of Proper Drain Use
Proper use of drains is essential to prevent complications, such as:
- Haemorrhage, tissue inflammation, retrograde bacterial migration, and drain entrapment 5
- Postoperative complications in clean wounds, which can be increased by the use of drains 6
- Abuse of surgical drains, which can be reduced by understanding the benefits and applications of surgical drains and tissue responses to constituent material 2