In the News | Turner Health

Help Arrives for Breast Surgery Patients:
Patented Pouch Eases Post-Surgical Recovery

Princeton, N.J. - A new pouch-like product called the Marsupial® Pouch is translating into good news for women coping with temporary surgical drains following a mastectomy or lumpectomy. "At a very difficult time in my life, the Marsupial Pouch gave me one less thing to worry about," said Lori Misicka of Sacramento, California.

The recently-patented product, which was designed by a two-time breast cancer survivor, is an adjustable terry cloth belt with an attachable pouch that houses drainage tubes often installed by physicians following breast surgery. Women wear the pouch under clothes, freeing their hands to perform daily living tasks. "Any woman who has struggled with drainage tubes knows how limiting they can be - without the Marsupial Pouch, you are forced to hold the tube in one hand, making it extremely difficult to shower or perform any task of daily living," said Marsupial Pouch developer Nancy Turner.

The Marsupial Pouch is being distributed nationally. "At one time, discussion of breast surgery was hush-hush, but breast cancer survivors, their medical providers and families need to know there are products that can assist with the recovery porcess," said Richard Mink, Chief Operating Officer of Derma Sciences. The pouch-like product can also be used to help patients recovering from cardiac and orthopedic surgeries.

Women who have used the Marsupial Pouch say it reduces worry and enhances comfort during the recovery process. "During the course of five months, I could not have showered, could not have rolled around the bed, and could not have worn street clothes. The Marsupial gave me the comfort of holding the drains without soiling my clothes," said Sandra Bridwell, a breast reconstruction patient.

Prior to the invention of the Marsupial Pouch, women were forced to use pins or tape to attach the surgical drains to undergarments - a choice that didn't prevent the drains from flopping around and causing irritation at the surgical site," said Turner, who was first diagnosed with breast cancer at age 29 and then again several years later. The idea for the product came to Turner while she was recovering from a mastectomy at her Greenville, South Carolina home.

"I was standing in the shower after my second surgery with a sore arm trying to balance my soap, shampoo, washcloth and drainage tube, and thought, 'Wouldn't it be wonderful if people were like kangaroos with a pouch to hold everything?'" Thus, the Marsupial Pouch was born. The product takes its name from the mammal equipped with a built-in pouch. Physicians, surgeons, nurses and home health care providers have embraced the Marsupial Pouch.

"The nice thing about the Marsupial Pouch is that it is designed by a former patient for patients. Its functionality is insightful because she (Turner) has been there. It helps facilitate an easier recovery from breast cancer surgery because it has a patient-friendly pouch," said Dr. Mary Rippon, Director of Breast Health Center in Greenville, South Carolina.

Amid the nausea, emotional difficulties and complications associated with breast cancer recovery, women continually desire to resume their pre-surgical activities. Today, Turner Health is reaching out to other women recovering from breast surgery. "As a woman and breast cancer survivor, it was important for me to share the invention of the Marsupial Pouch with other women, because it can actually improve their quality of life following surgery," Turner said.