[A comparative multicenter study of the efficacy of single- and double-lumen catheter drainage]

Our study was aimed at comparing the therapeutic efficiency of single and double lumen catheters in the drainage of abdominal fluid collections. We report the results of in vitro and in vivo studies carried out to assess the usefulness of each catheter type based on its therapeutic results. In the in vitro study the aspiration efficacy of the catheters was tested in a simulated cavity. In the in vivo study 188 patients with 206 fluid collections in the abdomen were examined; the patients had been treated percutaneously with single or double lumen catheters, randomly. In each patient we studied drainage efficiency related to aspiration efficacy, the time the catheter rested in the cavity, patient's discomfort and finally the cost of both the device and hospitalization. Some patients underwent surgery for specific reasons, but nevertheless their clinical conditions were absolutely improved thanks to percutaneous drainage. The results of this study yield useful clinical data to choose the most suitable catheter for the percutaneous treatment of abdominal fluid collections. Single lumen catheters work better than double lumen ones, the latter being also more expensive. Hospitalization time is also reduced when single lumen catheters are used.