Surgical Tubes & Drains

Tubes and Drains. Most of the time you don't go over these in PA school. People just keep referring to "JP drains" and "NG tubes" - but if you've never worked in a hospital - you probably have no idea what these are. I will go over some of the more common tubes and drains. If you see one on a rotation and aren't sure what it is or what it does - ask!

Jackson-Pratt (JP) drain:

• used to drain surgical wounds and keep bacteria/blood from building up
• usually attached to suction bulb
• if you are asked to "strip" these tubes - it means you need to pull along the length of the clear tube filled with blood [this prevents clotting]

http://www.ghorayeb.com/jpdrain.html

Blake drain:

• similar to a JP drain
• has a more narrow internal section so it is less uncomfortable for the patient when pulled out
• has a blue line along the tube (this is how you can tell the difference between a JP and a Blake)  

http://www.studyblue.com/notes/note/n/dressing--drainage/deck/975474

Penrose drain:

• yellow-colored tube used to drain large abscesses
• no suction

http://www.cantaertaxel.be/dokters/overzicht.php?cat=1&page=11400

Nasogastric Tube (NG Tube):

• tube leading from nasopharynx to the stomach
• used to drain stomach of fluids

Gastrostomy tube (G-Tube):

• goes from the stomach to outside of the body
• kind of like a permanent NG tube
• used for feeding pts with obstructions or ileus

http://flickrhivemind.net/Tags/gtube/Interesting

Jejunostomy tube (J-Tube):

• primarily used for feeding

http://milainternational.com/ca/products/small-animals/enteral-feeding/jejunostomy-tube.html

GJ Tube/Moss tube:

• has 2 ports (1 to stomach, 1 to the jejunum)
• acts like 1 G-tube and 1 J-tube
• often used for pts at high risk for aspiration

http://www.mosstubesinc.com/gdiagram.html

T-Tube

• a biliary tube shaped like a "T"

http://www.pssjournal.com/content/3/1/19/figure/F4?highres=y

Source: First Aid for the Medical Student