Percutaneous pig- tail catheter drainage in the management of lung abscesses.

Abstract

Background: Patients with pyogenic lung abscess who do not respond to medical therapy are usually candidates for thoracotomy with pulmonary resection. Percutaneous tube drainage, used routinely and with good results before the antibiotic era, has nearly been forgotten. Methods: We treated 8 patients who had poor cadidates for a lobectomy and didn't respond to medical management. A pig-tail catheter (6 to 10 Fr.) was inserted into the abscess under the fluoroscopic guidance. Results: All patients brought about dramatic clinical responses with prompt closure of cavity and radiographic improvement. Conclusion: Percutaneous pig-tail catheter drainage provides excellent clnical results with ease and safety, and avoids unnecessary loss of functioning lung parenchyma. But lobectomy should be considered in patients who major life-threatening bleeding or massive pulmonary necrosis.