Your doctor is concerned that you have an area of fluid that should not be there, called a ‘collection’. These collections usually appear in the chest or in the abdomen. Using the ultrasound machine, a doctor will insert a tube, or drain, through your skin into the fluid. This tube will allow the fluid to drain into a bag and be removed from your body.
Risks and benefits
You will benefit from this procedure because you will feel better and more comfortable when the fluid has been removed from your body. Sometimes a sample of the fluid is sent for testing, which means we can diagnose and treat your symptoms better. It is a very safe and short procedure.
These are very common procedures that have very little risk. There is a small risk that the site where the drain enters your skin may become infected, which may need treating with antibiotics. Sometimes there is some bleeding from around the site, and if this is severe, may require a blood transfusion.
Occasionally the drain may fall out, it may not be in the best place for the collection to drain properly, or the fluid may collect again after it has been drained. In these cases, the procedure may need to be repeated.
We will discuss all of the risks and benefits with you in detail before your procedure.
Before the procedure
You may eat and drink normally before your procedure. You may need a blood test to check how well your blood will clot. This is to make sure you don’t bleed after the procedure. On the ward your nurse will ask you several questions about your health and current medication. They will check your blood pressure and pulse and ask you to change into a gown. Your nurse will bring you to the X-ray Department on your bed.
In the X-ray Department you will be seen by a doctor. This is an opportunity to discuss the procedure before signing a consent form. Please ask any questions you may have, as it is important that you understand what is going to happen.
During the procedure
You will remain on your bed in a position that is suitable for the procedure. The doctor will use an ultrasound guide to decide on the best location to insert the drain. Your skin will be cleaned with antiseptic fluid and you will be covered with a sterile sheet.
The doctor will give you an injection of local anaesthetic which will cause some stinging initially and then go numb. A nurse will be with you who will monitor your pulse and blood pressure. Please let the nurse know if you feel any discomfort.
Using the ultrasound guide, the drain will be inserted through your skin and into the collection of fluid. The drain will be held in place by a special dressing to stop it from falling out. A drainage bag will be attached to the drain. The procedure takes about 30 minutes to complete but may take longer.
After the procedure
You will go back to the ward where your nurse will record your pulse and blood pressure and check the drain site regularly. Your nurse will also measure the amount of fluid that comes out of the drain. You may feel some discomfort which can be treated with pain relieving tablets. If you feel unwell at any time, please tell your nurse.
Please remember to look after the drain, and to take it everywhere with you. This will stop it from falling out. You may shower while the drain is in, but please avoid having baths.
When the drain has stopped draining fluid, it can be taken out. This is a simple procedure and your nurse can do it on the ward. They will “unlock” the drain (this releases a special stitch that helps hold the drain in place and then gently pull it out. This should not be painful.
Going home
In most cases the drain will be removed before you go home. If it is not, please discuss this further with your nurse or doctor.
Contact information
Chelsea and Westminster Hospital
Interventional Radiology Department 1st Floor, Lift Bank D
T: 020 3315 8570/8582
If you need to change your appointment time or date, please contact the Imaging Department on 020 3315 8570 as soon as possible.
