From the Guidelines
The size of a Pigtail (percutaneous drainage) catheter is typically 8-12 French (FG).
Details of Pigtail Catheter Size
- The use of small bore catheters, including pigtail catheters, is recommended to minimize patient discomfort 1.
- Studies have shown that smaller catheters (8-12 FG) are as effective as larger bore tubes in adults, and are preferred by pediatricians for use in children 1.
- The UK multicentre study of urokinase found that the use of small percutaneous catheters (mean size 10.5 FG) was associated with a shorter hospital stay compared to larger surgical drains (mean size 20.1 FG) 1.
- The British Thoracic Society guidelines recommend the use of small bore percutaneous drains, including pigtail catheters, whenever possible to minimize patient discomfort 1.
Key Points
- Small bore catheters, including pigtail catheters, are preferred for use in children to minimize discomfort and promote recovery.
- The size of the pigtail catheter typically ranges from 8-12 FG.
- Ultrasound guidance is recommended for the insertion of chest drains, including pigtail catheters, to ensure optimal placement and minimize complications 1.
From the Research
Size of Pigtail Catheters
- The size of pigtail catheters can vary, with studies mentioning sizes ranging from 7-8.5 F 2, 8 F 3, 4, 10 F 5, 4, 12 F 3, 4, 16 F 3, and 28 F 5.
- A study comparing the performance characteristics of pigtail catheters found that 8-F, 10-F, and 12-F catheters from different manufacturers had varying flow rates, with the C.R. Bard catheters demonstrating better flow rates in some cases 4.
- The choice of catheter size may depend on the specific application and patient needs, with larger catheters potentially being more effective for draining larger abscesses or fluid collections 5, 6.
- In general, the size of the pigtail catheter used can impact its effectiveness and the outcome of the procedure, with larger catheters potentially being more effective in certain situations 5, 6.