Drain Insertion

Drain Insertion

Drain insertion is an interventional radiology procedure that allows your child’s healthcare team to treat an abscess (pus-filled sack) or other liquid-filled area in the body. During a drain insertion procedure, an interventional radiologist makes a tiny incision and then guides a tube through the incision into the affected area. The liquid drains out through the tube.

The interventional radiologist uses live imaging such as computed tomography (CT), X-ray or ultrasound to guide the tube precisely to the correct location. Types of drain procedures that may be used to treat your child’s condition include:

  • Paracentesis. A needle is used to drain fluid surrounding the abdominal organs.
  • Thoracentesis. Similar to paracentesis, thoracentesis drains fluid around the lungs.
  • Percutaneous drainage of abscesses and fluid collections. Percutaneous drainage uses a thin needle to drain pus that is collecting in an inflamed area in the body. A small tube is left within the cavity to drain the remainder of the fluid over time.
  • Placement of chest tubes. A chest tube can be placed through the membrane surrounding the lungs to drain air or fluid from this area.

Drain insertion is used to treat a number of conditions, including:

  • Abscesses. Abscesses are sacs containing pus. They can form as a result of infections inside the body. The pelvis and abdomen are common places where abscesses can form.
  • Pleural effusion. Pleural effusion occurs when fluid builds up in the area around the lungs. It is caused by different conditions, including infections and pneumonia.
  • Bile duct obstruction. A blocked bile duct can cause the gallbladder to fill with bile and swell.

Inserting a drain normally takes about an hour, including any sedation or anesthesia your child may need.

What to Expect

Inserting a drain involves the following steps:

  • Your child will be given a sedative or put to sleep and monitored closely by an anesthesiologist.
  • The interventional radiologist will guide a needle to the proper location and inject a dye called contrast to make the affected area more visible through imaging.
  • The interventional radiologist will then guide the drain tube into place through a small incision.
  • Once the procedure is completed, your child will be taken to a recovery room to wake up. A nurse will care for your child and watch for complications.
  • Once awake, your child will be taken to a hospital room for care and observation.
  • The drain tube will have a bag attached to it that will collect the liquid that drains out.
  • Your child may have some pain and may be given pain medicine.
  • Depending on your child’s condition, he or she may go home after the procedure or remain in the hospital.

Sometimes a child has bleeding where the drain tube comes out of the body. Rarely, infection can happen or a child may be allergic to the dye used during the procedure. Because organs in the chest and abdomen are close together, damage to other organs such as the liver, spleen or intestine is possible.

Key Points to Remember

  • Drains help remove excess fluid that has built up in different areas of the body, relieving pain and other symptoms.
  • Your child will be sedated or under anesthesia when the doctor inserts the drain.
  • Your child may remain in the hospital or return home after the procedure depending on his or her condition.

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