Can I clean the inside bulb of my JP Drain? (Photo)

Question

I have a JP drain in my left breast from an implant that had an infection and had to be replaced. It's been in for 9 days and is expected to be out in the next 7 days. It's had a lot of clotting in the bulb and after emptying it doesn't all come out. I am stripping the tubing and the clots are still able to drain into the bulb. I can't get out all the [RS bleep]/residue after draining the bulb to measure the output. Can I/ should I clean the inside of the bulb?

William Andrade, MD · Answer

Hello, I would recommend speaking to your surgeon for advice before doing anything to the bulb.  The inner surface of the bulb is in direct communication with your wound so any contamination in the bulb could potentially track to your wound.

Jerome Edelstein, MD · Answer

Hello,As long as fluid is still flowing and collecting the small clots should not be a problem. If you do have  a problem, it is best to see your Plastic Surgeon rather than open things up yourself because you could expose yourself to an infection risk. All the best

Richard A. Bartlett, MD · Answer

Dear MellyQ, It is not recommended that you clean the inside of the bulb. There is almost always a small amount of fluid left in the bulb after emptying. It is good that you are stripping the tubing to move the clots along, and if they remain in the bulb that is ok. Per the physician recommendation below, you can always talk to your surgeon about having them switch out the old bulb for a new one, but you should not be disconnecting the bulb from the tubing yourself. Good luck!

Lewis Albert Andres, MD · Answer

I would or recommend cleaning the inside of the JP bulb. There is significant contamination issues as the bulb directly communicates within your breast via the drain. Discuss your concern with your surgeon. Perhaps an exchange of the bulb is an option.

Mark Deutsch, MD, FACS · Answer

I would not recommend cleaning the inside of the drain bulb. I do advise my patients to strip their drain tubing but if you are concerned about the inside of your drain bulb you should contact your doctor and perhaps have the bulb exchanged for a new one.

Steven Wallach, MD · Answer

I do not recommend cleaning the inside of the drain after emptying. The internal surface is technically in direct communication with your tissues. There is potential contamination issues. Best to ask your surgeon.

Paul J. Leahy, MD · Answer

Thanks for your question. No. You don't want to handle the inside of the bulb. The worry would be introducing a bacteria into the tubing that could ascend and cause you problems. It's not likely, but just better to leave the bulb alone. It will do it's job. Hopefully you can get it removed very soon. Best wishes.

Can I clean the inside bulb of my JP Drain? (Photo)

Answers (7)