A Unique Complication of Pigtail Pleural Catheter Placement

Cureus. 2024 Sep 19;16(9):e69754. doi: 10.7759/cureus.69754. eCollection 2024 Sep.

Abstract

Pigtail pleural catheters are becoming more popular because they are a less painful and equally efficacious alternative to the traditional large-bore thoracostomy tube. This report describes the case of a 48-year-old male whose deteriorating condition required the placement of a pigtail pleural catheter for treatment of parapneumonic pleural effusion. He later developed significant complications related to the procedure.

Keywords: chest tube; lung penetration; pigtail catheter placement; pigtail complication; thoracostomy tube.

Publication types

  • Case Reports