Percutaneous pigtail catheter versus chest tube for the treatment of pediatric traumatic hemothorax
Topic overview
Multi-center retrospective study comparing pigtail catheters to traditional chest tubes for pediatric traumatic hemothorax drainage across 548 patients. Found similar failure rates (12.6% vs 17.6%) and complication profiles between the two approaches, suggesting percutaneous pigtail catheters are a safe alternative to chest tubes in hemodynamically stable children.
Key takeaways
- Pigtail catheters show similar failure rates to chest tubes for pediatric traumatic hemothorax (12.6% vs 17.6%, p=0.38).
- No increased complication risk with pigtail catheters after adjusting for injury severity and mechanism (OR 1.05, p=0.3).
- ISS >15 increases complication risk (OR 1.17, p<0.0001); penetrating injury decreases it (OR 0.86, p=0.0001).
- Pigtail catheters are safe, effective alternatives to larger chest tubes in hemodynamically stable pediatric trauma patients.
- Length of stay and ICU stay were comparable between pigtail catheter and chest tube groups in this 548-patient study.
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