COMPARATIVE STUDY
JOURNAL ARTICLE
Add like
Add dislike
Add to saved papers

Pigtail catheters versus large-bore chest tubes for pneumothoraces in children treated in the emergency department.

OBJECTIVE: We sought to compare the efficacy (pneumothorax resolution and hospitalization days), pain (narcotic usage), and safety (need for repositioning or replacement) associated with placement of large-bore chest tubes versus pigtail catheters in children with pneumothoraces.

METHODS: We conducted a retrospective chart review of all patients with pneumothoraces seen in the emergency department (ED) over a 6.5-year period who received treatment by a pediatric emergency physician with either a large-bore chest tube or a pigtail catheter. We excluded patients who had catheters placed by other specialists and patients who were endotracheally intubated. We collected the following data: complications, hospital days to discharge, and narcotic pain medications taken.

RESULTS: Eleven pigtail catheters and 16 large-bore chest tubes were placed. All pneumothoraces were effectively evacuated. Three of the 11 pigtail catheters required repositioning, and one was replaced. Two of the 16 large-bore chest tubes were repositioned, and one was replaced; additionally, a pigtail catheter was added to one patient with a large-bore chest tube to facilitate evacuation of the air. Average hospital stay was similar between groups (6.2 d for pigtail catheters vs 6.8 d for large-bore chest tubes, = 0.74). Children with pigtail catheters required less narcotic pain medications than those who had large-bore chest tubes, but the differences were not significant.

CONCLUSION: Pigtail catheters offer a safe and effective alternative to large-bore chest tubes for patients receiving treatment for pneumothoraces in the ED.

Full text links

We have located links that may give you full text access.
Can't access the paper?
Try logging in through your university/institutional subscription. For a smoother one-click institutional access experience, please use our mobile app.

For the best experience, use the Read mobile app

Mobile app image

Get seemless 1-tap access through your institution/university

For the best experience, use the Read mobile app

All material on this website is protected by copyright, Copyright © 1994-2024 by WebMD LLC.
This website also contains material copyrighted by 3rd parties.

By using this service, you agree to our terms of use and privacy policy.

Your Privacy Choices Toggle icon

You can now claim free CME credits for this literature searchClaim now

Get seemless 1-tap access through your institution/university

For the best experience, use the Read mobile app