Comparison of Drainage Duration

Oct 13, 2025 by recoveryshake.com 92 views

Introduction

Pleural effusion is a medical condition characterized by the accumulation of fluid in the pleural space, which can lead to respiratory distress and other complications. One of the common treatments for pleural effusion is the installation of a catheter to drain the fluid. There are two types of catheters commonly used: large bore catheter and small bore catheter, also known as pigtail catheter. While large bore catheter is effective, it is more invasive and can increase the risk of morbidity and complications. On the other hand, pigtail catheter is a safer and less invasive method for handling pleural effusion cases. This study aims to compare the drainage duration of patients with pleural effusion using pigtail and large bore catheter.

Background

Pleural effusion is a common medical condition that affects millions of people worldwide. The accumulation of fluid in the pleural space can lead to respiratory distress, chest pain, and other complications. The treatment of pleural effusion typically involves the installation of a catheter to drain the fluid. There are two types of catheters commonly used: large bore catheter and small bore catheter, also known as pigtail catheter. Large bore catheter is effective in draining the fluid, but it is more invasive and can increase the risk of morbidity and complications. On the other hand, pigtail catheter is a safer and less invasive method for handling pleural effusion cases.

Research Methods

This study was conducted descriptively by comparing the complications that occur in pleural effusion patients who use catheter 12 F and large bore catheter size 28 F. The study was conducted at the Inpatient Installation of H Adam Malik Hospital Medan, from February to July 2016. In total, there were 32 patients involved in this study, consisting of 16 patients who use catheter pigtails and 16 other patients who use the Large Bore catheter.

Research Result

The results showed that complications that occur in the group of patients using catheter pigtails include chest hose with a percentage of 27.2% and pain measured by visual analog scale (VAS) around ± 2.25. Meanwhile, in the Large Bore catheter group, the recorded complications include 36.3% pneumothorax, infection at the installation site of 18.1%, 9% muscle stiffness, 9% blockage, and pain with a VAS of ± 5. The duration of drainage in the two groups is also analyzed, where the average drainage duration is ± 12.31 days for catheter pigtails and 12 days for large bore catheter.

Comparison of Drainage Duration

The results of this study show that the average drainage duration for catheter pigtails is ± 12.31 days, while the average drainage duration for large bore catheter is 12 days. This suggests that catheter pigtails may have a longer drainage duration compared to large bore catheter. However, it is essential to note that the difference in drainage duration between the two groups is not statistically significant.

Conclusion

From the results of this study, it can be concluded that the catheter pigtail is more effective than the large bore catheter, especially in terms of reducing pain and complications that appear. Pigtail catheter shows excellence in providing a more comfortable experience for patients, with a lower risk of complications. This finding provides important information for medical personnel in determining the most appropriate drainage method for pleural effusion patients, as well as encouraging further research in this area to strengthen the existing evidence.

Benefits for Readers

This article not only explains the comparison between pigtail and large bore catheter, but also provides important insights for medical personnel and general readers related to the choice of safer and more convenient methods for patients with pleural effusion. By understanding the differences and complications that may occur, it is expected to help in better decision making in clinical practice.

Limitations of the Study

This study has several limitations. Firstly, the sample size is relatively small, which may limit the generalizability of the results. Secondly, the study only compares the drainage duration of patients with pleural effusion using pigtail and large bore catheter, and does not consider other factors that may affect the drainage duration. Finally, the study only includes patients who are admitted to the hospital, and does not consider patients who are treated in outpatient settings.

Future Research Directions

This study highlights the need for further research in this area. Future studies should aim to investigate the drainage duration of patients with pleural effusion using different types of catheters, as well as other factors that may affect the drainage duration. Additionally, studies should aim to compare the drainage duration of patients with pleural effusion using different drainage methods, such as thoracocentesis and chest tube insertion.

Conclusion

Q: What is pleural effusion?

A: Pleural effusion is a medical condition characterized by the accumulation of fluid in the pleural space, which can lead to respiratory distress and other complications.

Q: What are the common treatments for pleural effusion?

A: The common treatments for pleural effusion include thoracocentesis, chest tube insertion, and catheter installation.

Q: What are the differences between pigtail and large bore catheter?

A: Pigtail catheter is a small bore catheter that is less invasive and has a lower risk of complications compared to large bore catheter. Large bore catheter is more invasive and can increase the risk of morbidity and complications.

Q: What are the complications associated with large bore catheter?

A: The complications associated with large bore catheter include pneumothorax, infection at the installation site, muscle stiffness, blockage, and pain.

Q: What are the benefits of using pigtail catheter?

A: The benefits of using pigtail catheter include reducing pain and complications, providing a more comfortable experience for patients, and having a lower risk of complications.

Q: What is the average drainage duration for pigtail and large bore catheter?

A: The average drainage duration for pigtail catheter is ± 12.31 days, while the average drainage duration for large bore catheter is 12 days.

Q: Is the difference in drainage duration between pigtail and large bore catheter statistically significant?

A: No, the difference in drainage duration between pigtail and large bore catheter is not statistically significant.

Q: What are the limitations of this study?

A: The limitations of this study include a small sample size, not considering other factors that may affect the drainage duration, and only including patients who are admitted to the hospital.

Q: What are the future research directions?

A: Future studies should aim to investigate the drainage duration of patients with pleural effusion using different types of catheters, as well as other factors that may affect the drainage duration. Additionally, studies should aim to compare the drainage duration of patients with pleural effusion using different drainage methods.

Q: What are the implications of this study for medical personnel?

A: This study provides important information for medical personnel in determining the most appropriate drainage method for pleural effusion patients. It highlights the need for further research in this area and provides insights into the benefits and limitations of using pigtail and large bore catheter.

Q: What are the implications of this study for patients?

A: This study provides important information for patients with pleural effusion, highlighting the benefits and limitations of using pigtail and large bore catheter. It can help patients make informed decisions about their treatment options and provide them with a better understanding of the drainage duration and complications associated with each type of catheter.

Q: What are the next steps for further research?

A: The next steps for further research include investigating the drainage duration of patients with pleural effusion using different types of catheters, comparing the drainage duration of patients with pleural effusion using different drainage methods, and exploring other factors that may affect the drainage duration.