title: Pleural fluid collections and ultrasound guided percutaneous drainage.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  The presence of fluid collection in the pleural cavity is a frequent clinical problem that requires drainage for diagnostic and therapeutic purposes. Aim of our study is the retrospective evaluation of our experience in diagnostic and therapeutic thoracic drainage, to stress the cause of failure and to emphasise the cost-effectiveness of the technique.
  
  
  METHODS
  From January 1995 to May 2009, 564 therapeutic and diagnostic ultrasound (US) guided percutaneous drainages of pleural fluid collection were performed in 412 patients.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The macroscopic, biochemical, cytological and microbiological examination of the drained fluid diagnosed the presence of 80 (19.4%) transudates, 101 (24.5%) non neoplastic exudates, 55 (13.4%) neoplastic exudates, 152 (36.9%) empyema and 24 (5.8%) haemothorax. There were no major complications. Minor complications were present in 23/564 cases (4.0%).
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The US guided puncture of the pleural fluid collection allows a high rate of success (in correct detection and drainage of chronic pleural effusions), reduces the rate of complications and is well accepted by patients.
authors: Department of Surgery and Oncology, Operative Unit of General and Thoracic Surgery, University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy. ggeraci@unipa.it
authors: Massimo
authors: M
authors: Cajozzo
authors: Girolamo
authors: G
authors: Geraci
authors: Chiara
authors: C
authors: Lo Nigro
authors: Manuela
authors: M
authors: Palazzolo
authors: Francesco
authors: F
authors: Raffaele
authors: Roberto
authors: R
authors: Pinna
authors: Marta
authors: M
authors: Cajozzo
authors: Giuseppe
authors: G
authors: Modica
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D004322:Drainage / Q000379:methods*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010995:Pleural Diseases / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000628:therapy*; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D018084:Ultrasonography, Interventional