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).
