JP tube

Hi everyone I am pre-op with a question.. What is a JP tube? What is it for? Does everyone have one after surgery? How long do you have it? Does it hurt? Ok that was more than 1 question but I'll never know unless I ask right? Thanks Kay

Kay, The JP tube isnt a big deal really. Its a pain in the butt for some people but many are just fine with it.. I had mine for 7 days then they took it out. The drain doesnt actually hurt really, it can cause your left shoulder to hurt and also can cause your back to be sore. Atleast thats what they told me. I had a horrible back ache for awhile but I dont know if it was the drain or if it was from the hospital bed, them trying to move me from bed to the surgery table when I was knocked out, or what.. I just knew I was sore.. As for what its for.. well its a drain.. I had to empty mine about once a day for a couple days, then about every other day.. Most of my drainage was pretty much light red, so I assumed it was blood.. but I didnt ask what exactly it was for. Now when they take it out... Ohh look out! I had NO pain when they took it out.. but it was the freakiest feeling ever. I could feel it moving inside me but it didnt hurt at all.. Dont stress over the JP tube.. it is a breeze!! Good luck! Amber

Amber Thanks for your responce. My surgeons nurse told me about it but I was so excited about being there, it just went through one ear and out the other. Thanks again, Kay

Morning Kay!, Ditto everything that Amber said. I am pre-op.....but my doc told me that the Jackson-Pratt (JP) tube is an important way to track any changes that are going on within your belly(i,e. infections,bleeding, etc) Take care and good luck on your(our) journey!! willby

Hi Kay: I had open RNY on 5/23/05 and I had no tubes, staples, drains, stictches (that I could see). I woke up with a pain pump in my IV and a pad like strip covering my incision with clear plastic covering it. That's all!!!! Hope this helps!! Good Luck~~ Carmella