Ultrasound Identifies Broken Drainage Tube Postthyroidectomy

Area of Science:

• Medical Imaging
• Surgical Oncology
• Otolaryngology

Background:

• Drains are commonly used after thyroidectomy and lateral neck dissection.
• Occasionally, drainage tubes fracture and are retained within the neck.
• Identifying retained drains via ultrasound can be challenging.

Observation:

• Comparative and phantom observations were conducted.
• The 'double-tract sign' of the tube wall was identified.
• Drainage holes were also noted as key sonographic features.

Findings:

• The double-tract sign and visible drainage holes are key sonographic indicators for retained drains.
• These features aid in overcoming identification difficulties.
• Successful ultrasound-guided localization of a retained broken drainage tube was achieved.

Implications:

• Improved diagnostic accuracy for retained surgical drains.
• Enhanced ultrasound-based localization techniques for post-surgical complications.
• Potential for reducing patient morbidity associated with retained foreign bodies.