Minimally invasive fluid and abscess drainage

Drainage Catheters

Drainage catheters are small, flexible tubes inserted through a tiny incision in the skin to drain abscesses, fluid collections, or air from the body using imaging guidance. This minimally invasive procedure is performed by an interventional radiologist to relieve symptoms and prevent complications caused by fluid or air buildup.

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About Drainage Catheters

Drainage catheters are used to remove fluid collections, abscesses, or air pockets that can cause pain, swelling, or infection. The procedure, known as image-guided percutaneous drainage, involves placing a thin catheter through a small incision in the skin and using imaging guidance such as ultrasound, CT, or fluoroscopy to accurately guide the catheter to the target area. The catheter allows the fluid or air to drain into an external collection bag, providing immediate relief from discomfort and preventing further complications.

Drainage catheters come in various sizes, shapes, and materials. The choice of catheter depends on the type and location of the fluid or air collection, as well as the patient’s overall condition. This procedure is performed under local anesthesia and moderate sedation to ensure patient comfort. The procedure is minimally invasive, with a small incision and a short recovery time, making it a safer alternative to more invasive surgical options.

Benefits and Effectiveness of Drainage Catheters

Drainage catheter procedures offer several benefits, including:

Minimally Invasive: Involves a small incision, reducing recovery time and minimizing risks compared to open surgery.
Immediate Relief: Provides quick relief from symptoms caused by abscesses, fluid, or air collections.
Effective Treatment: Drains infected or problematic fluid collections in over 80% of cases, reducing the need for further interventions.
Precise Placement: Utilizes imaging guidance to accurately place the catheter, ensuring optimal drainage and minimizing damage to surrounding tissues.

Risks

While drainage catheter procedures are generally safe, there are some risks, including:

Bacteraemia (bacteria in the blood) in 2-5% of cases
Septic shock (severe infection and sepsis) in 1-2% of cases
Hemorrhage (bleeding)
Superinfection (infection of a previously sterile fluid collection)

Your healthcare provider will discuss these risks with you and provide detailed instructions on how to prepare for and care for your catheter to minimize complications.

Contact Us About Drainage Catheters

If you or a loved one require drainage of an abscess, fluid collection, or air pocket, our radiology team in Southwest Florida, Cape Coral, or Fort Myers is here to help. Schedule a consultation to learn more about our minimally invasive drainage catheter procedures.

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