Jackson-pratt drain A Jackson-Pratt (JP) drain is used to remove fluids that build up in an area of the body after surgery. The JP drain is a bulb- shaped device connected to a tube. One end of the tube is placed inside body during surgery. The other end comes out through a small cut in the skin. The bulb is connected to this end. The JP drain used as negative pressure vacuum, which also collects fluid. The JP drain removes fluids by creating suction in the tube. The bulb is squeezed flat and connected to the tube that sticks out of your body. The bulb expands as it fills with fluid. Common uses: Abdominal surgery Breast surgery. Mastectomy. Thoracic surgery.