TS10 RARE CASE OF RETAINED FOREIGN BODY FOLLOWING PLEURAL DRAINAGE WITH A PIGTAIL CATHETER

Abstract

Small-bore radio-opaque drains such as Bonanno's catheter, pigtail catheters and Pleurocath(r) (PRODiMED, France) can be used to drain pleural effusions. As an alternative to standard tube thoracostomy, they can provide an effective, safe, less invasive and more comfortable option [1, 2] and the principles behind their insertion can be easily taught to junior physicians without the need for radiological guidance. Their removal does not require any purse string sutures and hence they can be removed by a single staff member without the need for additional assistance. We report here the cautionary tale of a retained foreign body related to drainage of a pleural effusion with a Pleurocath(r) in a patient following cardiac surgery, in order to raise awareness of this potential complication. Emphasised is, the need for all staff to be familiar with the normal appearance of equipment being utilised in the ward and to report when incomplete removal of drain equipment is suspected. In addition, amendments to insertion techniques for such small-bore drains are proposed in order to avoid similar undue complications.