USG & CT GUIDED PIGTAIL/ DRAINAGE

Why it is necessary:

Used for draining of loculated collection of fluid like pus, bile, urine or pancreatic fluids and even air from pleural spaces

How it performed:

• Doctor inserts a small needle, guided by USG, CT or other imaging techniques, into collection without causing any harm into adjacent vital structure. Followed by wire insertion.
• After serial dilatation over wire, pigtail catheter inserted into collection. The coil end helps to hold the pigtail catheter in place.
• A bag is attached to pigtail catheter which is helpful to collect all the substances that are taken out.
• Different techniques are employed to remove the unnecessary fluids and that varies according to the viscosity of the fluid.

Precaution to be taken by patient:

• Care for pigtail catheter to prevent its accidental removal and proper dressing to minimize risks like haemorrhage and infections associated with these drains.  

What are benefits:

• Draining of collection without damaging adjacent structure.
• Rapid healing due to drainage of collection.
• Significantly less risk of infection and bleeding compared to other procedure required for drainage of collection.

What are risks:

• Bleeding (2-3 %, in some location even less).