Document Type

Abstract

Publication Date

2-11-2026

Comments

Presented at the 2026 Scholarly Inquiry (SI) Research Project Symposium.

Abstract

Introduction: The Jackson-Pratt (JP) drain is routinely used after breast mastectomy and reconstruction. However, postoperative JP drain usage is associated with an increased incidence of surgical site pain (SSP), which negatively impacts quality of life (QOL). We hypothesize that the anatomical site of JP drain placement relative to major nerve densities leads to variation in SSP and QOL.

Methods: This prospective cohort study will enroll 30 adult female patients undergoing breast mastectomy or reconstruction. Drain placement location will be measured intraoperatively using X, Y coordinates based on midline, anterior axillary line, and jugular notch landmarks. Normalized spatial data will be used to generate a heat map of drain placements, which will be correlated with patient-reported pain scores collected at routine postoperative visits.

Results: We anticipate finding that SSP and QOL correlate with the anatomical location of drain placement. Specifically, we expect to generate a heat map that identifies anatomical locations of drain placement most associated with low versus high SSP, which is inversely related to QOL.

Discussion/Conclusions: The anticipated results support the hypothesis that SSP and QOL are influenced by the drain’s proximity to nerve pathways. Demonstrating this would validate the clinical importance of drain placement location and produce an evidence-based guideline for optimal drain location that minimizes nerve disruption to improve patient recovery. However, study limitations include recruitment from a single institution and potential variability in pain reporting. Ultimately, anticipated findings would also lay the groundwork for future research exploring nerve-sparing techniques and enhancing postoperative QOL in breast surgery patients.

Language

English

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