Pigtail Catheter Drainage
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Pigtail Catheter Drainage
A simple way to remove unwanted fluid or infection from the body
Pigtail drainage is a minimally invasive procedure used to remove fluid collections,
pus (from an abscess), or other buildups in the body. A thin, flexible tube (called a
Pigtail catheter—named for its curled end) is inserted into the collection under
imaging guidance like ultrasound or CT.
This helps drain the fluid safely and reduce symptoms like pain, swelling, or infection.
Why is it done?
Pigtail drainage may be needed for:
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- Abscesses (pockets of pus from infection) in the abdomen, liver, or pelvis
- Fluid collections after surgery or injury
- Pleural effusion (fluid around the lungs)
- Pancreatic pseudocyst
- Ascites (fluid in the abdomen) not responding to medication
What are the benefits?
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- Quick and minimally invasive
- Reduces infection, pressure, and discomfort
- Helps avoid major surgery
- Usually done under local anesthesia with mild sedation
- Short recovery time
What to expect:
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- You’ll lie on a table while the doctor uses imaging to guide the catheter
- The area is numbed, so you’ll feel little or no pain
- The tube is connected to a small drainage bag
- The pigtail shape keeps the catheter in place securely
- You may go home with the tube or stay in the hospital briefly, depending on
your condition - Your care team will explain how to care for the tube at home if needed
Pigtail drainage is a safe and effective way to treat fluid collections without the need for open surgery.