A prospective study of outcome of double pigtail catheter drainage in the management of breast abscess: analysis of outcome

Background: Breast abscesses, localized collection of pus in the breast, are most common in young lactating women. Traditional treatment of breast abscesses is by surgical incision, digital disruption of septa, evacuation of contents with occasional placement of surgical drains, and administration of systemic antibiotics. Percutaneous large-bore needle aspiration with or without ultrasound guidance is generally employed as the first line treatment of breast abscesses. It is generally done for medium to large sized unilateral abscesses and requires repeated aspirations for complete resolution of the abscess cavity.Methods: We have conducted this prospective study at SMIMER Hospital, Surat, Gujarat, India from January 2020 to January 2021. After ethical approval a group of 25 patients with unilateral breast abscesses irrespective of the lactational status were treated by percutaneous double catheter drains inserted under ultrasound guidance under the effect of local anaesthesia and evaluated for 3 months.Results: The resultant cosmetic effect was good, with no reported recurrence on 3 month follow-up.Conclusions: Double pigtail catheter drainage in appropriately selected cases of beast abscess has superior outcome in compare to published result of other technique for drainage of beast abscess specially in minimal scarring, early resolution of abscess cavity and decreases in the total duration of treatment.

Enhanced Drainage Protocol in Large Amoebic Liver Abscess

Background Amebic liver abscess (ALA) contributes significantly to morbidity and mortality in patients of the developing world. Even though medical management is the primary modality of treatment, 15% of the cases are refractory and require intervention for drainage. Pigtail catheterization is inefficient and results in a long duration of hospital stay. So, we conducted a prospective observational study to determine the efficacy and safety of drainage of large ALA using a wide bore 24 French (Fr) drain compared with a conventionally used 10 Fr pigtail catheter. Materials and Methods A single center prospective observational study was conducted over a period of 5 years and data of 122 patients was collected. After starting empirical medical therapy, patients underwent drainage of ALA with either a 10 French pigtail or a 24 Fr drain. The primary outcome variables were resolution of clinical symptoms such as fever and pain in abdomen, length of hospital stay, and resolution of abscess on imaging at day 3. Secondary outcome was complications related to the procedures. Results Data of 122 patients was collected. Males constituted a vast majority (96%) of the study population and the fifth decade was the most common age group involved. Alcoholics had a higher chance of developing a large ALA. Sixty-eight patients underwent drainage of the ALA using a 24 Fr drain which resulted in faster resolution of symptoms (2.4 vs. 5.1 days, p-value 0.033), a shorter duration of catheter in situ (6.4 vs. 13.2, p-value 0.011), and a faster drainage of ALA (residual volume at day 3; 177 vs. 212 mL, p-value 0.021). Twenty-eight patients had a biliary communication of which 26 required therapeutic endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography. Conclusion In patients with a large ALA, placement of a wide bore 24 Fr catheter hastens recovery of the patients when compared with drainage with a standard 10 Fr pigtail catheter. Placement of a biliary stent serves as a useful adjunct for their management and it may obliviate the need for a major biliary diversion surgery.

Cerebral Air Embolism After Pigtail Catheter Drainage for Pneumothorax: A Case Report and Review of the Literature

Objective: Cerebral air embolism (CAE) is an extremely rare but serious complication of pigtail catheter drainage. The aim of the case report is to review our experience in the diagnosis and treatment for CAE after pigtail catheter drainage.Case presentation: In our study, we report a case of CAE following pigtail catheter insertion for pneumothorax. A 50-year-old man was diagnosed with a pulmonary mass in the right lower lobe. He underwent a right lower lobectomy. Pneumothorax was present after the removal of the chest tube. Pigtail catheter drainage was used in order to treat the pneumothorax, which resulted in convulsions, limb stiffness, and unconsciousness. A brain CT scan was immediately performed and showed multiple low densities in the right occipital lobe, which was diagnosed as CAE. Assisted breathing, antibiotic treatment, and antiepileptic therapy were used and the patient gradually improved and was discharged at 27 days of treatment but the muscle strength of the left limb was weakened.Conclusion: We analyzed and summarized the possible causes of CAE in the literature, and the findings of the case could enhance the vigilance of clinicians.

COMPARATIVE STUDY OF OUTCOMES OF PERCUTANEOUS NEEDLE ASPIRATION VERSUS PIGTAIL CATHETER DRAINAGE FOR SOLITARY LIVER ABSCESS.

Objective: The aim of this study was to compare the outcomes of ultrasound guided percutaneous needle aspiration and percutaneous pigtail catheter drainage in the treatment of solitary liver abscess with respect to successful drainage, clinical improvement, reduction in size of abscess cavity, duration of hospital stay and procedure related complications. Methods: Prospective randomized study on 108 patients treated over a period of 30 months. Using standard randomization they were divided equally into two groups A and B. Group A patients underwent usg guided percutaneous needle aspiration for a maximum of three attempts, and Group B patients were treated by pigtail catheter drainage. All the patients received a uniform protocol based supportive care and antimicrobial treatment. Outcomes were compared with respect to successful drainage, resolution of symptom, fty percent reduction in size of abscess cavity, hospital stay duration and procedure related complications. Results: A successful drainage was noted in 52(96%) patients in group B treated with PCD and 46 (84%) patients in group A treated with PNA. 8(11%) patients in group A did not respond to three attempts due to very thick pus and they were offered pigtail catheter drainage. The duration required for initial clinical improvement and fty percent reduction of size of abscess cavity was signicantly lesser in group B. Though the duration of hospital stay was lesser in group B the difference was not statistically signicant. Complication was noted only in group B where one patient developed perihepatic and subdiaphragmatic collection and the other had peritonitis. Both were cured after surgical intervention. Conclusion: Both percutaneous needle aspiration and pigtail catheter drainage are almost equally effective in the treatment of solitary liver abscess. Though pigtail catheter drainage helped in earlier clinical improvement and reduction in cavity size but the difference in duration required for full recovery and complete resolution of abscess cavity was not statistically signicant. Hence the selection of the procedure needs to be individualized and should take into account various factors like patient's general condition, laboratory parameters, and nature of abscess cavity.