Radiologically controlled drainage of pleural and pulmonary collections

Radiologically controlled catheter drainage is now accepted therapy for fluid collections in many parts of the body. While this is performed mainly in the abdomen, the chest is increasingly being drained percutaneously as an alternative to surgical drainage (van Sonnenberg et al 1984; Westcott 1985; O'Moore et al 1987; Crouch et al 1987). This report outlines the experience with 31 chest collections treated by the intervention radiologist over a two-year period.