title: Study of Pigtail Catheters for Tube Thoracostomy.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  To study the efficacy and complications of percutaneous small bore pigtail catheters for tube thoracostomy.
  
  
  METHODS
  50 cases of pleural effusion requiring drainage were enrolled in the study. Pigtail catheters of the size 9 to 12 F were used.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The procedure was successful in 46/50 (92%) cases. Fibrinolytic therapy and pleurodesis was successful through these tubes. Complications included blockade in 4 (8%), small pneumothorax in 10 (20%) and chest pain at tube thoracostomy site requiring analgesics in 30 (60%).
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Small bore pigtail catheters are safe, comfortable, cost effective and have few complications especially in loculated pleural effusions.
authors.affiliation: Post Graduate Resident (Med & Respiratory Diseases), Base Hospital, Delhi Cantt.
authors.forename: Sachin
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Jain
authors.affiliation: Classified Specialist (Med & Respiratory Diseases), Base Hospital, Delhi Cantt.
authors.forename: R B
authors.initials: RB
authors.lastname: Deoskar
authors.affiliation: Classified Specialist (Med and Respiratory Med), Military Hospital, Namkum.
authors.forename: M S
authors.initials: MS
authors.lastname: Barthwal
authors.affiliation: Ex Sr Adv (Med & Respiratory Diseases), MH(CTC), Pune-40.
authors.forename: K E
authors.initials: KE
authors.lastname: Rajan
keywords: Pigtail catheter; Tube thoracostomy