Ultrasound-guided small-bore chest drain placement: a retrospective analysis of feasibility, safety and clinical implications in internal medicine ward.

PURPOSE: Massive and complex pleural effusions represent a frequent challenge for internists, particularly when patients present with significant symptoms and the hospital setting lacks dedicated thoracic surgery or interventional pneumology services.

METHODS

This retrospective study evaluates the effectiveness and feasibility of ultrasound-guided small-bore chest drain placement performed by internal medicine physicians with interventional ultrasound experience. We analyze procedural success rates, complication profiles, and subsequent clinical management in a cohort of patients managed in a single internal medicine ultrasound ward.

RESULTS

In our series of ten patients, ultrasound-guided drain placement was successful in all cases. No immediate major complications were encountered, and subsequent complications were minimal and manageable.

CONCLUSION

Ultrasound-guided small-bore chest drain placement is a feasible, safe, and effective alternative to surgical chest tube insertion in selected patients in internal medicine wards, potentially avoiding the need for hospitalization or transfer to specialized thoracic surgery services.