A Case Report: Trans-Thoracic Pigtail Catheter with Diaphragm Perforation

Abstract

Pigtail catheters are commonly used as effective alternative to traditional large bore chest tubes. However, the pigtail catheter placement does not come without possible complications. Pneumothorax, hemothorax and rarely visceral or vascular injury were all reported previously. Here we report a case of an 80-year-old patient who presented with right-sided rib fractures and right hemothorax post mechanical fall. A pigtail drainage catheter (PC) was placed; however, minimal drainage was obtained and there was no resolution of hemothorax. CT evaluation showed the PC located between the liver and the underside of right hemidiaphragm. During the subsequent right video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) the PC was found to be transthoracic and perforating the diaphragm but did not appear to enter the liver. We discuss the perioperative management of this patient as well as implications of possible PC complications for the anesthesiologists.

Introduction

In the setting of moderate-to-large size hemothorax, the tube thoracostomy is considered the primary intervention [1]. If drained early and adequately, the need for additional surgery is relatively rare (10-15%) [2,3]. While large bore chest tubes are often preferred; multiple reports have suggested that smaller bore PC may be just as effective [4]. The smaller caliber is associated with less pain on insertion [5], while efficacy is preserved [6,7]. However, even smaller diameter PC placement does not come without possible complications, most commonly pneumothorax and hemothorax. Rare complications such as intraparenchymal insertion [8,9], left ventricular penetration [10], subclavian artery laceration and cerebral air embolism [11] have been reported previously. Proper training and imaging technique are required to perform pigtail catheter thoracostomy correctly and safely [12,13].

Case Report

An 80-year-old male with history of type 2 diabetes, hypertension, and hyperlipidemia presented to our institution after a mechanical fall resulting in multiple right-sided rib fractures and right pleural effusion suspicious for hemothorax. The patient has sustained a mechanical fall when he slipped in his yard. He did not lose consciousness or suffered from any other injuries aside from as described below. Chest CT revealed a nondisplaced fracture of the left 11^th rib and the right posterior 12^th rib as well as was a slightly displaced and comminuted fracture of the right posterior 11^th rib and the right lateral 10^th rib. A moderate right pleural effusion was noted; however, flail chest was not present. Mild contusion in the right flank and lateral abdominal wall was observed. The patient did not sustain any other injuries. The patient was hemodynamically stable and not in respiratory distress. His SpO₂ was 97% on room air did not require supplemental oxygen. He was not on any blood thinners and his coagulation parameters were within normal levels.

CT and x-ray images were reviewed, and a senior surgical resident attempted a chest tube insertion without ultrasound guidance. Multiple attempts at chest tube placement in the emergency room were unsuccessful (no blood was draining from the chest tube) and the patient was admitted to the hospital for further workup and hemothorax evacuation. Subsequently, a different surgical resident placed a pigtail drainage catheter (PC) without ultrasound guidance via the lateral right eighth intercostal space using Seldinger technique. Minimal drainage was obtained and there was no resolution of hemothorax. The lack of the catheter function prompted a CT evaluation and the PC appeared to be located between the liver and the underside of right hemidiaphragm (Figure1). There was no evidence of intraperitoneal bleeding; nevertheless, there was a concern for a possible liver injury.

The patient presented for right video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery for hemothorax evacuation and washout. Given the possibility of liver injury we have prepared for massive volume resuscitation that could result from the bleeding associated with the PC removal. A large bore i.v. (16G) and an a-line were placed pre induction and an additional i.v. (14G) was placed post induction. We had 2 units of pack red blood cells (PRBCs) in the operating room prior to incision and additional blood products were readily available in the blood bank. Belmont rapid transfuser (Belmont Medical Technologies, Billerica, MA) was primed and ready for use. FloTrac system (Edwards Life sciences Corp., Irivne, CA) was used to help manage possible hemodynamic instability.

During the surgery, the PC was found to be transthoracic and perforating the diaphragm (Figure 2) but did not appear to enter the liver. The source of hemothorax was 11th rib fracture with a bleeding intercostal artery that was cauterized. The PC was then removed and there was no bleeding at the site of entry into the abdomen. The patient has recovered uneventfully and was discharged to a rehabilitation center on post-operative day five without any further complications.

Discussion

Pigtail drainage catheters while less invasive than traditional chest tubes do not come without complications [6,7]. The complications of chest pigtail catheters may include pain, pneumothorax, hemothorax, infection, dislodgement, kinking or blockage of the tube. Kinking and blockage occur more frequently with pigtail catheters given their smaller diameter [14]. In addition, rare complications such as air embolism [11,15], lung laceration [9,10], and intrahepatic insertion [8] were described previously. Incidence of abdominal chest tube placement is about 1 to 7 % [12,16]. Proper procedure and technique reduce the likelihood of these complications. Intra-abdominal organ injury can be prevented by the use of a high approach and insertion of the pigtail drain catheter at or above the inter-mammary line in the fourth or fifth intercostal space [17]. Image guided technique, ideally ultrasound, should be utilized for pig tail insertion to minimize the risk of complications [12,18]. In addition, personnel involved with insertion of chest drains should be adequately trained and supervised [12,18]. In the case we present here, ultrasound guidance was not used, and the pigtail catheter was placed by a physician in training. It is possible that these factors contributed to the resulting malposition of the pigtail catheter.

Complications resulting from chest thoracostomy often necessitate emergent surgery. Anesthesiologists need to be aware of the complications related to the chest drain insertion to safely manage the patients in the operating room. Review of the available imaging, adequate intravenous access, hemodynamic monitoring as well as close communication with the surgical team are all required for the successful care of these patients.

Conclusion

This case report emphasizes the importance of proper supervision and insertion technique for the chest drain placement. Complications resulting from misplaced chest drains can result in potentially life-threatening bleeding or organ injury. Anesthesiologists need to be aware of these complications and prepare accordingly.

Declarations of Interest

None.

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